James Pistawka Raped Three Children And Faced 70 Years In Prison: Fortunately For Him, There’s Judge Tom Parker

James Pistawka committed the crimes that every parent has nightmares about. From 2001 to 2013, he raped three children, all of whom were brave enough to stand in a courtroom and face their former tormentor.

The charges were clear: three counts of rape, nine counts of gross sexual imposition, and one count of sexual battery. For the news reports that would follow, only one of the victims would allow the press to use their real names.

Chyna Glidden, who was just 10-years-old, when James Pistawka forced himself on her.

The other victims clung to their anonymity but refused to stay silent. Each were racked by tears during their testimonies, but with the help of a three-year-old Labrador-Golden Retriever provided by the prosecutor’s office, were able to get through it.

It was clear that the crimes Pistawka inflicted on these young people would follow them the rest of their lives, so Glidden felt it only natural that her tormentor’s punishment should do the same.

Fortunately for him, there’s Judge Tom Parker.

After an Akron, Ohio, jury convicted the 37-year-old on March 31, 2015, Parker had the ability to dose out a 70-year-sentence that would see Pistawka in prison until his 107th birthday.

But these crimes didn’t seem serious enough for that, so Parker opted instead for the lighter 15-year-sentence that will see the convicted child predator walking free when he turns 52 — still plenty of time for repeat offenses in Glidden’s mind.

The now 23-year-old told NewsNet5 that she believes the punishment should have been much more severe. She’s not alone. Many of the commenters on WKYC‘s coverage of the events dubbed it a “joke.”

“Those victims showed courage, and get no peace of mind,” wrote Renee Cover-Fincham. “He’ll be out by age 52 and he raped 3 young girls.”

“Its not enough time when the innocent girls have to live with what he did to them forever he deserved 25- Life [sic],” wrote Merry Goodwin.

“Should have gotten at least 15 years for each child he raped!” exclaimed Jennifer Hall.

“This is a travesty!” fumed Kris Castellano. “He should spend the rest of his life in prison for what he stole from those three children!”

Unfortunately, cases like this are all too common in the U.S. The Inquisitr recently reported on a judge, who cut a 20-year-old’s sentence of 25-Life for raping a three-year-old toddler to just 10 years.

His reason? The perpetrator “did not consciously intend to harm” the child.

Do you think judges like this and the one in the case of James Pistawka should be removed from office for not treating child rape seriously? Sound off in the comments section.

[Image via Summit County Prosecutor’s Office c/o WKYC, linked above]