Disturbing news this week out of Montana:
Stacey Rambold, a former high school teacher convicted of raping a 14-year old student who later committed suicide, was sentenced by a judge to just 30 days in prison.
According to The Billings Gazette, the 54-year old was guilty of at least three sexual encounters with Cherice Morales in 2008.
Weeks prior to her 17th birthday in 2010, the victim killed herself, with Morales' mother testifying that her relationship with Rambold played a major role in her child's suicide.
Yellowstone County Judge G. Todd Baugh subsequently sentenced Rambold to 15 years in jail, but suspended all but 31 days of it and credited the ex-teacher with one day served, bringing the total number of days he will sit behind bars down to 30.
And Baugh's reasoning for the ruling is what has many calling for his resignation.
The judge deemed Morales "older than her chronological age" and said of the crime: "It's not probably the kind of rape most people think about… it was not a violent, forcible, beat-the-victim rape, like you see in the movies."
He added that Morales was "as much in control of the situation" as Rambold.
Rambold - who was terminated from a sex-offender treatment program after failed to show up for most classes - will have to register as a sex offender.
Upon hearing the sentencing, the late student's mother repeatedly screamed "you people suck," while protests are planned this week outside the State House.
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