In a shocking verdict, a 26-year-old school bus driver named Tyler Green was sentenced to 10 years of probation without any jail time after pleading guilty to the rape of a 14-year-old girl who was a passenger on his bus. This case has sparked outrage, highlighting the leniency often shown to perpetrators of sexual crimes, particularly young white males, within the judicial system.
Judge Emily Carter of Jefferson County, New York, delivered the controversial sentence last week, justifying it by citing Green’s lack of prior offenses and the fact that he only victimized one girl. This leniency has led to public outcry and a viral response on social media, as many are appalled by the apparent dismissal of the severity of the crime.
Green, who met the victim while driving for the Watertown City school district, would reportedly give the girl and her friends gifts, invite them over, and even supplied her with alcohol before committing the assault—admissions he made in court. Initially charged with second-degree rape and other serious offenses, he ultimately pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of third-degree rape.
In addition to avoiding jail time, Green received a Level 1 sex offender designation, which is the least severe classification. This means he is considered low-risk, is not required to publicly register his address, and will not be permanently listed on the offender registry. Alongside these minimal penalties, he is mandated to pay around $1,375 in fines and is prohibited from being alone with anyone under the age of 17.
The victim’s mother expressed her devastation during her impact statement, stating, “I wish Tyler Green would have received time in jail for the harm he caused to my child. He took something from my daughter she will never get back and has caused her to struggle with depression.”