
    STATE OF MONTANA, Plaintiff, vs. ROBERT TRIPLETT, Defendant,
    No. DC-05-029
    Decision
   On February 23, 2006, the defendant was sentenced to twelve (12) years in the Montana State Prison, with four (4) years suspended, with no parole eligibility until the Defendant has completed Phase I and II of the Sex Offender Treatment Program, for the offense of Sexual Intercourse Without Consent, a felony.

On May 5, 2006, the defendant’s application for review of that sentence was heard by the Sentence Review Division of the Montana Supreme Court.

The defendant was present and was represented by Ali Moulton. The state was not represented.

Before hearing the application, the defendant was advised that the Sentence Review Division has the authority not only to reduce the sentence or affirm it, but also increase it. The defendant was further advised that there is no appeal from a decision of the Sentence Review Division. The defendant acknowledged that he understood this and stated that he wished to proceed.

The Division finds that the reasons advanced for modification are sufficient to hold that the sentence imposed by the District Court is clearly excessive and inadequate based on conclusions and recommendations of Donald Bell, M. Ed. LCPC, MSOTA Clinical Member.

Therefore, it is the unanimous decision of the Sentence Review Division that the sentence shall be amended as follows: Forty (40) years in the Montana State Prison. Execution of such sentence shall be suspended pursuant to Section 46-18-222(6), MCA, upon the Court’s determination that treatment of the Defendant in the local community affords a better opportunity for rehabilitation of the Defendant and for the ultimate protection of the victim and the community. The Court specifically finds that supervised release of the Defendant under the strict terms and conditions outlined in this Judgment will create a meaningful chance of rehabilitation of the Defendant.

DATED this 26th day of May, 2006.

Due to the Defendant’s criminal history it is recommended he be accepted into outpatient treatment on a probationary period of six (6) months with close supervision to insure treatment compliance. Should the Defendant fail to meet the treatment and/or probation requirements, he should be required to complete the sex offender treatment in the Montana State Prison inpatient program. Treatment recommendations include: Completion of two (2) years minimum of treatment in a treatment program with standards at least equivalent to the Montana Sex Offender Treatment Association Standards or the national standards of the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers.

The following conditions shall also be implemented as part of the Defendant’s compliance of the terms of probation:

1. The Defendant shall be given polygraphs during treatment to assist in monitoring.

2. The Defendant shall pay for victim’s related treatment where needed.

Condition #26 of the judgment shall be amended to read: The Defendant will not use or possess pornography, erotica, x-rated videos, (including explicit R-rated and cable channels), adult books or magazines such as Play-boy or Penthouse, frequent adult book stores, topless bars, and massage parlors. No 900 numbers and no Internet access as porn is easily accessed through the Internet. No cell phones with photo, video, or Internet capabilities allowed. If a cell phone is used, all bills and records will be made available to the treatment team/probation officer.

It is suggested the Defendant’s wife will need to be approved as a chaperone before he is allowed to be around minor children in his home. This is a precaution that will not only protect the children in the home, but will protect the Defendant from further accusations.

The terms and conditions as imposed in the judgment of February 23, 2005, shall remain, subject to the conditions of the judge’s order that are inconsistent.

Done in open Court this 5th day of May, 2006.

Chairperson, Hon. John W. Whelan, Member, Hon. Randal I. Spaulding and Member, Hon. Katherine Irigoin.  