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SALT LAKE CITY -- A man police said had over 23,000 images of child pornography on his computer was sentenced Tuesday, but he won't be going to prison.
Donald Gibby cried as he told 4th District judge Steven Hansen that he was sorry for what he did. Gibby was arrested during a child porn internet sting. The defense argued Gibby should get jail, while the state wanted Gibby in prison, saying the tens of thousands of child porn images proves he's a threat.
Gibby pleaded guilty to 30 counts of exploitation of a minor, all second-degree felonies. He was sentenced initially to 1-15 years in prison on each count, but that sentence was suspended in favor of 270 days in jail and probation. Adult Probation and Parole, who cited Gibby's lack of a previous criminal history, recommended the lighter sentence. A parole violation could mean the more longer sentence is re-instituted.
Gibby will also have to take polygraph tests to prove he isn't searching for more child porn because he works as an internet consultant and frequently uses computers.
The defense successfully argued for jail time, saying Gibby was progressing well in a treatment program and could continue that through jail and probation.
Contributing: Emiley Morgan
