Matthew Koso is going to jail for 18-30 months. He may get out on probation after as soon as 9 months.
I've given this case some thought and I've come to the conclusion that this is as fair an outcome as could have been hoped for. With all due respect to Mr. Koso's love for his now-wife (which I have to assume is sincere), he was an adult having sex with a child. That he later married that child to "take responsibility" for his actions is only loosely relevant. It does not negate the fact that their marriage arose out of a relationship built upon the disproportionate power of an adult over a child.
Any jail sentence over three years would have been cruel. Even 30 months seems harsh. But overall, I think the sentence handed down by Judge Daniel Bryan was very fair. Despite his firm rhetoric at the sentencing, he acted with restraint. Too much jail time would destroy a family (albeit an unusual one). Too little, and a message is broadcast that the laws protecting Nebraska's children are weak and not enforced.
It's still possible that Koso will appeal his sentence. I don't know that he can hope for a much better outcome than this. Besides, he has other big problems awaiting him, such as how he'll find good employment while having a sex crime on his record.
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Not to mention that he now has to remain registered as a sex offender…
I agree wholeheartedly with your assessment. The guy needed to be punished because society cannot let this type of thing go unnoticed. However, given the circumstances a light sentence is deserved.
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