Man Sentenced for Years of Sexual Abuse

Man Sentenced for Years of Sexual Abuse


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Sandra Yi ReportingSue Baum: "You can't hurt somebody and have sorry be enough."

It was an emotional day in court as a Utah man who sexually abused his two young daughters for years is sentenced to prison.

Sue Baum
Sue Baum

William Baum was sentenced to 1 to 15 years in prison. This sentencing phase of this case posed a complicated dilemma for everyone involved.

The man's family is financially dependent on him, which the judge says is common in domestic abuse cases like this. That proves to be difficult because the victims can be revictimized if the abuser goes to jail and can't support them.

The judge called this a horrible case and wanted to send a message that money won't protect criminals from the consequences of their actions.

Man Sentenced for Years of Sexual Abuse

Holding on to stuffed animals, the young victims faced their father in court.

William Baum pleaded guilty to molesting his 17-year old step-daughter when she was eight. He offered her pornography -- some of it violent -- and drugs, then began a sexual relationship with her that continued for years. Baum then did the same thing to his own daughter, who is now 13.

Sue Baum, Victims' Mother: "It's devastated all of our lives, but we're going to get through it."

Prosecutors originally charged Baum with four first degree felonies, but he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of two second degree felonies of attempted rape of a child and sex abuse of a child.

Today, family, friends and co-workers showed up to support him.

Ken Cook, Baum's Friend: "He always presented himself as an honest, hardworking person you can depend on. What happens in private, what you don't know about is a shock."

Baum's attorney says Baum admits to a long time addiction to pornography and drugs and has diligently attended counseling. He says Baum is not a sexual predator, but a father who made a horrendous decision.

Prosecutors say the young victims are scarred for life.

Mike Christensen, Prosecutor: "The fact that you breech a trust with family members, step family members, and it's repeated over and over again, those are horrible crimes."

Baum's attorney asked the judge for probation at a treatment home. His employer would allow him to keep working. Baum has been financially supporting for his family, who is dependent on him, but the judge says, that doesn't protect him from the consequences of his crime.

Mike Christensen: "The sad part about it is, we don't know enough about these type of offenses to treat them, so we have to opt for safety over probation."

The victims' mother says they'll survive.

Sue Baum: "I'm the world's toughest mom, I think, so I'll figure something out."

Because Baum takes responsibility for his crimes, the judge allowed him to serve the sentences concurrently. Baum was taken into custod, after the hearing.

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