Leo Robert Schofield Sr., 69, was handed a 12-year prison term this past Thursday after confessing to the sexual abuse of a minor within his family circle. The sentencing was reported by the Idaho Mountain Express.
Terms of Incarceration and Parole
Schofield Sr. must serve a minimum of four years behind bars before qualifying for parole. He received an eight-month credit for time already served in jail following his arrest in November 2010.
The Alford Plea: A Special Kind of Guilty Plea
In April, Schofield entered what is known as an “Alford plea” for the sexual misconduct involving a minor under 16, an act that can lead to a maximum 25-year sentence in Idaho.
While initially facing a more serious charge of lewd behavior with a child, the plea agreement allowed him to neither admit guilt nor innocence, yet recognize that enough evidence existed for a likely conviction.
If Judge Elgee decided not to uphold the mutually agreed-upon sentence, the plea could be annulled.
Timing and Victim Identification
The charges stem from incidents that occurred sometime between 2006 and 2009. Court documents reveal that the young victim is related to Schofield.
Prosecutor’s Remarks at Sentencing
Deputy District Attorney Matt Fredback argued at the hearing that Schofield merited a prison sentence due to his “elevated likelihood of reoffending” and “persistent denial of his actions.”
Fredback highlighted a 1987 felony conviction against Schofield in Rhode Island involving inappropriate conduct with a child aged 9. Additionally, Schofield is wanted in Massachusetts on related charges.
Status of Massachusetts Warrant
As of now, Massachusetts authorities have not initiated extradition proceedings against Schofield.
