Judge running for state Supreme Court defends reduced sentence for child molester

During Wednesday night’s heated debate between Wisconsin Supreme Court candidates Susan Crawford and Brad Schimel, a controversial case involving a child molester was brought to the forefront. Crawford, a George Soros-backed liberal, defended her decision to significantly reduce a sentence for a convicted child molester who had repeatedly assaulted a five-year-old girl in a 2020 case.

The debate, which was the only scheduled debate for the high court seat race before the April 1 election, was moderated by ABC affiliate WISN 12 at Marquette University Law School. The outcome of the race will determine whether conservatives or liberals will control the state’s high court, with potentially significant implications for cases involving abortion, gender identity, and labor unions.

During the debate, Crawford was questioned about the controversial sexual assault case involving a five-year-old girl that she had ruled on. The moderator asked Crawford about sentencing a child sex offender to four years in prison after prosecutors requested 10 years and whether she regretted that decision.

Crawford defended her decision, stating that she followed the law and considered all relevant factors in sentencing. She emphasized that her goal is always to keep the community safe and that her sentences have been successful in achieving that goal. She criticized Schimel for his record of imposing short jail sentences that have led to repeat offenses.

Schimel, on the other hand, used his answer time to criticize Crawford’s judgment in the child sexual assault case, accusing her of prioritizing the minimum sentence over protecting the community. He highlighted her decision as a flaw in her judgment and a potential risk to public safety.

The candidates also clashed over other issues, such as Schimel’s record of delaying testing of thousands of sexual assault evidence kits during his time as attorney general and campaign donations they have received from prominent figures like George Soros and Elon Musk.

Overall, the debate highlighted the stark differences between the two candidates and the potential impact their election could have on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Voters will have to weigh the candidates’ records and stances on key issues like abortion, voter ID laws, and President Trump as they decide who will ultimately win the high court seat.