I'm pretty much a hard nose when it comes to criminals; always been for the death penalty when it's clear the person did it, BIG supporter of that Sherrif in Arizona who keeps cons in tents, don't like early parole, etc. But this guy, I don't know. I don't know that it's not a bad idea to give him one break, telling him that this won't be counted as his third strike, and putting him back in rehab one last time, and make it clear to him that if he breaks the law one more time, if he steals so much as a fork from a restaurant, that's strike three and he's done, for life without parole. I can see doing that, considering the fact he's saved many children the life long scars of being molested. I can see doing that.
Only reason I consider that is because he never physically hurt anyone in any of his crimes. That makes a big difference with me in just this one case. If he had ever clocked some old lady on the head or beat up some guy and his kids and then robbed him, I wouldn't be for cutting him a break.
I agree totally with your post. Yeah, have him do some time for theft, get him back into drug rehab, but a life sentence is too harsh...especially when you consider that most molesters end up walking the streets after a few short years in prison looking for fresh victims to terrorize.
This guy didn't have to send the pics to the police, but he knew right from wrong...at least in this situation. If anyone deserves a break, it's this guy. If he blows it again, well, then throw the book at him. It's a sad story. My heart goes out to that toddler. If it were my child, I'd sign the petition to help him out. After that, it would be up to him to get his life together.