Austin Smith Clem was found guilty of raping Courtney Andrews three times – but an Alabama judge has sentenced Clem to serve only probation and a stint in community corrections.
Courtney says that Clem raped her twice when she was only 14 years old, and again four years later. He commanded her to tell no one, threatening to hurt her family if she reported him to the police.
Courtney's father told reporters: "We thought justice was finally being served and although the system was very slow, it was not totally broken... We were floored to hear the judge hand down such a light sentence."
The Limestone County District Attorney has filed a motion to the court demanding that the judge re-sentence Clem and send him to prison where he belongs.
Rape is a heinous crime, and the rape of a child is a violation of absolutely everything we value as a community. This young girl has already been violated by someone she trusted. Will she be denied justice as well?
Add your name to our petition now and tell the courts that the convicted rapist of a child deserves nothing less than jail.
Dear Circuit Court of Limestone County, Alabama:
I am writing to request that you stay proceedings on Case No. CC 2012-770 and incarcerate Austin Smith Clem. Mr. Clem was convicted of repeatedly raping a teenager, and under law needs to be re-sentenced according to the provisions of Alabama law. This man is clearly a violent criminal and belongs in prison.
