From Deseret News archives:
Right sentence for Sorensen
When 3rd District Judge Deno Himonas sentenced Sorensen this week to 10 days in jail, 12 months of probation, 200 hours of community service and $5,250 in fines, he was doing more than applying penalties to an individual who had broken the law. He was passing sentence on the very idea that someone would abuse a public trust.
That's an important principle. If the opposite were true if elected leaders were given light sentences for crimes because they were likable or because people felt they had done a measure of good for the community, as well it would erode the foundations of the republic. Voters, already suspicious, would grow cynical of government's perceived desire to protect its own, as well as of the judiciary's independence. Taxpayers, already concerned about the amount they have to pay, would be in a mood to revolt.
But Sorensen charged thousands of dollars worth of gasoline for his private vehicles with a credit card that was paid by the county. That didn't negate any of the good, but it was a crime that violated the trust of his office.
We have no doubt that Sorensen's tearful apology in court on Monday was sincere. We also are confident he can put this episode behind him and resume a good and productive life. His friends should not abandon him.
But the sentence he received was correct in light of the job he held. Public officials who break the law must be treated differently than others who do so.
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