Sentencing for Randy Cook will be on March 20

This afternoon in Courtroom 2, at 2 PM, many including me thought realtor Randy Cook would be sentenced . However, Cook's attorney only received the psychological report that will be included in the pre-sentencing report today. Please see previous post on this blog for information on the case.

Cook already pled to a lesser charge. Kelly Neel prosecuted the case. Today, David Nims was present for the people instead of Kelly Neel. Michael Robinson, the defendant's attorney acknowledged the receipt of the psychological evaluation. He asked Judge Marilyn Miles that the pre-sentencing report, along with the probation report  be made under seal and only available to the parties and probation.

In the courtroom, many of the young women and their family members were present waiting to see if justice would be served. Thank you to all who came up to me outside the courtroom and have emailed me.

Similar to the reasons I explained in Fr. Eric's case, my coverage of this case is the pertinent details. Many records are sealed as they should be. While in this blog, I do my best to provide information to the public, some posts do deserve special sensitivity. For Cook's victims, no court of law can provide justice that is good enough. Their courage in coming forth and their efforts to heal and empower themselves by moving forward is a lifelong journey.

The issue of child endangerment and child abuse and molestation is a sensitive and personal one. Justice will never be served until we as a community address the deep roots of this cause and speak out for every victim. And hold those who prey on the most vulnerable accountable.

And that starts with our laws and enforcement by elected officials and those who work on such cases. Kelly Neel is one of those champions for women and young people. I have worked with Ms. Neel when I worked for Social Services and I have followed some of her cases such as this one.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 20 at 2 p.m.