Judge said sentence is deterrent

By Jon Johnson
Assistant Editor
Published on Sunday, November 8, 2009 2:46 PM MST

To parents, there is nothing more precious in life than their child. On Thursday, a courtroom packed with family and friends of the victim and the accused wept openly and frequently as the heart-rending tragedy unfolded.

In the end, the parents of the victim received their closure, and the parents of Elias Bryton Blake saw their son sentenced to a 10-year prison term for the harm he caused a 14-year-old girl.

Blake, 22, of Safford pled guilty Sept. 2 to two counts of attempted sexual conduct with a minor – class-3 felonies – and accepted a plea agreement that guaranteed probation on one count. The other count's sentence, however, was left for the judge to decide whether the crime warranted probation or a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Ten years is a presumptive term for those convicted of such a crime without a plea bargain, and the minimum sentence is five years.

Elias Blake is led from the courtroom by Graham County deputy T.J. Juarez after being sentenced to 10 years in prison. Photo by Jon Johnson

At his change of plea hearing in September, Blake admitted to having sexual intercourse with the victim.

Judge R. Douglas Holt said because of the need for deterrence and punishment, he felt the sentence was an appropriate consequence for the crime. Holt said he has known of a significant number of men in their 20s having sex with underage girls in the past decade, and a message had to be sent to the community that those engaging in the practice will be significantly punished.

"The deterrence, frankly, is not just as to you and your future decisions, but it's a message that has got to be extended and made repeatedly in the community," Holt said. "If every 19- and 20- and 21-year-old young man thinks he can commit sexual crimes against children and only get a year in jail, he's got another think coming. This is a crime that is worthy of and, in my mind, requires the presumptive (sentence)."

Holt said it is never easy to weigh the competing interests and stories but that it was his job to make a decision.

Blake's attorney, Clay Hernandez, had argued for a sentence of a year in jail and probation. Deputy Graham County Attorney C. Alan Perkins made the argument for 10 years of incarceration.

Holt said he carefully reviewed the court's pre-sentence report, which recommended a 10-year sentence, a psychologist's psycho-sexual evaluation from the defense and numerous letters from family and friends in support of Blake and letters from the victim's family prior to the sentencing hearing. He listened to the sentencing arguments from both attorneys and praised them on their performance as well as the report from Graham County probation officer Mike Kenehan.

The victim's brother and father spoke in court and described how the crime has affected their family.

"She'll never be the same (because of) this," the victim's brother said.

The victim's father said it was difficult to not take the law into his own hands and extremely disheartening because Blake was welcomed into their family before the incidents occurred.

"We put our trust in the wrong person," he said.

Holt commended the victim's family for their restraint and for allowing the court to handle the matter.

He found emotional damage to the victim as an aggravator and Blake's tremendous family support and remorse for his crime as mitigators. Holt told Blake that he is in a position to understand the pain he caused the victim's father because he is the father of a young girl. Blake's ex-wife gave birth to his daughter after he committed the crimes.

"I think you can now better put yourself in the position of (the victim's father) who spoke about the offenses you committed against his little girl," Holt said. "Because you have a little girl of your own, I am very confident you can understand his anger and better appreciate what appears to me to be extreme resistance at taking out his feelings on you."

After the sentencing, Blake was taken into custody and placed into the Graham County Jail to await his transfer to the Arizona Department of Corrections.

He was sentenced to 10 years in prison but was given credit for 11 days served and is eligible for early release of one day for every seven served.

That means he will have to serve about 8-1/2 years before he is eligible for early release.

Upon his release, Blake will be placed on lifetime supervised sexual offender probation. He will be required to pay all the fees necessary for that type of probation and attend counseling and treatment as directed.

He was also ordered to have no contact with the victim or her family and to pay $900 to the victim's compensation fund to cover counseling already undertaken by the victim and her mother.

Comments

128 comment(s)

    Judged by the judgement we give wrote on Dec 23, 2009 11:19 AM:

    " It does not appear by this judgement that this judge is Christian or that many of you posting are, because, if so, most have forgotten the scriptures that say we will be judged by the same judgement by which we judge others. Obviously there will be no mercy available to Judge Holt or some of the rest of you on judgement day! Am I glad I am not in your shoes! I happen to believe people have good in them in spite of their mistakes and can still contribute much good to society. THIS JUDGEMENT WAS FOR A FIRST OFFENSE???!!!!!!! "

    Both Kids wrote on Dec 15, 2009 12:59 PM:

    " As far as I am concerned they are both kids. You people are too too hard on that Blake kid. He will do his time, and once he gets out the suffering doesn't end there. So please stop wishing that he gets a taste of his own medicine while in prison. That's just wrong. "

    Christian nation wrote on Dec 15, 2009 1:35 AM:

    " At Christmas time you would hope that a few might remember the mission of the Savior. How few seem to recall His plea for those taking His life as He hung on the cross. He plead with His Father to forgive them. Why? "Because they know not what they do." So why are we holding those responsible who know not what they do? "

    To the holier than thous wrote on Dec 14, 2009 2:27 PM:

    " Let's compare this case to the 9 year-old boy in St. Johns who was accused of killing his dad and another man. Many people wanted him tried as an adult. Why is it that some of us think that children aren't capable of understanding what they're doing if it's sexual in nature; but they "know" what they're doing when they killl someone, burn a building down, or rob a store? Let's get real here! Ask the 14 year old brides in Colorado City if they "know" what they're being forced into! "

    jail wrote on Dec 14, 2009 12:35 PM:

    " Someone who is sent to jail literally loses that time of there lives FOREVER. When they go to get a job they will be looked at differently. Just think about the effect this has on there own children too. Jail has such a huge impact on a person’s life. Most people view jail as there revenge on someone who has messed up there lives. But what about those who are locked up and stuck taking the fall for something they never did. Our court systems need to have evidence in order to lock someone up and throw away the keys. "

    Exactly wrote on Dec 14, 2009 8:01 AM:

    " Science studies writes: " Through science we learn that the frontal cortex of the brain is not fully developed until mid-to late 20's."

    What he did not explain is that the frontal cortex is where decisions like this are made, therefore youth lack that ability.

    Perhaps that is why the BBC has sent reporters here to America for the past couple of years to prepare a TV special on how our country incarcerates youth at a rate seen nowhere else on the planet. This case is additional evidence that we are well deserving of their attention!!! "

    real2all1 wrote on Dec 14, 2009 7:10 AM:

    " Wow, this is great all worried about this guy getting 10 years in prison. He's sick, he doesn't make good decisions, well i got news for you it doesn't matter the damage is done and this "little girl", because that is what she is, is the one going to suffer for this persons actions. Prisoners in general prison, do not accept these kind of crimes in prison. That is just the way it is. So who knows this person might get a taste of his own medicine, when he gets locked up. "

    Just a reminder cont. wrote on Dec 13, 2009 8:57 PM:

    " There have been different sentences in differnent cases, well the key word is different also different judges, what he sentenced the criminal to what the law alotted him too. For those of you that think the punishment is to severe think of her, the child and what her sentence is and how long she'll be effected by this and how much she lost through this, because he as the adult in this whole thing took something that she can never get back, her life will never be the same even in ten years. "

    Just a reminder wrote on Dec 13, 2009 8:47 PM:

    " After reading this I feel like the most important issue here is being forgotten. The child, you have to know looking at 14 year old girl, no matter how mature, no matter what she wore, when you see her you see a child! And the responsibility to keep this child safe falls not only the parents who can in no way be with there children 24/7, that's absurd and people questioning the parents in this need a reality check. The LAWS that the judge used in this case are made to protect us and our children. "

    Science Studies wrote on Dec 11, 2009 2:38 PM:

    " Through science we learn that the frontal cortex of the brain is not fully developed until mid-to late 20's. It's no wonder that youth struggle with poor decisions.

    I do not understand those that are supposed to be wise and full of knowledge who want to condeem our youth and incarcerate them with hardened criminals. I do not see wisdom being excerised in this-- often they are victimized by the system we call justice.

    Education is key to a better society and Government. --Let's practice civility in our community with our youth!! "

    Food for thought wrote on Dec 8, 2009 8:33 AM:

    " The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie -- deliberate, contrived and dishonest, but the myth, persistent, persuasive, and unrealistic. Belief in myths allows the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought.
    John F. Kennedy "

    Russ is right wrote on Dec 7, 2009 12:37 PM:

    " Sex offenders are by far the least likely to re-offend. Do your homework!!!! "

    Learn the TRUTH wrote on Dec 7, 2009 12:35 PM:

    " To all of you out there that have been spoon fed by the media about sex offenders. Maybe it is time that you learned the truth. Here are some good resources on the internet. Search for facts about sex offenders....hate to spoil your witch hunt. "

    Russ wrote on Dec 7, 2009 12:00 PM:

    " Actually you can GOOGLE it. Sex offenders are less likely to be rearrested than non sex offenders according to the DOJ. Registration was meant to appease a repulsed public. "

    To Justice System wrote on Dec 7, 2009 9:24 AM:

    " Are you kidding, where did you get your information that sex offenders are the LEAST likely to re offend. Sex offenders have to register for a reason, because most WILL re offend. Have you paid any attention to the national news lately, there have been several registered sex offenders that have re offended and murdered their victims. I don't believe your comment that sex offenders are the LEAST likely to re offend. "

    Wakeup wrote on Dec 7, 2009 9:06 AM:

    " I for one am glad to see that people are starting to wake up and contest the sex offender registration laws on state levels. State by state the laws are changing.-- As they are challenged and deamed unconstitutional. NEWS-- read more people!

    Justice system astounds me hits the nail on the head! "

    Justice wrote on Dec 7, 2009 8:55 AM:

    " ? True I just seen on the news where a murderer got 8 years...I am with you, Astounded,-- with our judicial system. "

    Justice system astounds me wrote on Dec 6, 2009 9:57 PM:

    " Anonymous - you are sick and wrong. Plus it would not matter if Blake reproduced or not it is not like it is a genetic disease. His kids would not make the same mistakes he did. Also did you know sex offenders get the most time out of ALL crimes committed? Also they are the LEAST likely to recommit a crime? "

    Really wrote on Dec 6, 2009 4:33 PM:

    " To "What" I said he had the possibility of a year in jail and probation. Maybe you should read the plea bargain. It was up to the judge to sentence to anything from probation to 10 years in prison, which is the presumptive term for similar offenses. Get a clue dude! "

    Anonymous wrote on Dec 6, 2009 3:00 PM:

    " i think he got what he deserved. You as an adult should know better, and he shouldn't be messing around with teenage girls. I feel bad for the girl, she will have to live with this for the rest of her life. He will as well, he has to register as a sex offender. I think he needs to be sterilized so that he doesn't get to reproduce. "

    WHAT wrote on Dec 6, 2009 1:59 PM:

    " To Really....If anybody does not know what they are talking about it would be you. Blake was never offered any such thing. "

    For Your Info. wrote on Dec 6, 2009 12:36 PM:

    " Hernandez is still working on the case and has filed a motion for resentencing based on how the judge weighed the aggravator, which may have been part of the crime itself, versus the mitigators Hernandez pointed out. "

    Really wrote on Dec 5, 2009 7:37 PM:

    " Well, the "man" Blake was guilty of more than he plead out to and had the possibility of only spending a year in jail with a probation tail according to the sweet plea deal his attorney got him. Looks like "Need an atty" has no clue of what they are talking about. "

    Case a sham wrote on Dec 5, 2009 1:20 PM:

    " Face it the kid did not have very good representation!! No way around it. "

    Need an atty wrote on Dec 5, 2009 1:19 PM:

    " Hernandez did NOT do much in this case or for Blake. Looks like he failed to do his homework to know Holt's record and what recent cases had been before Holt and how they were sentenced. Because I can think of a couple that got Sweet deals in comparison and Blake's was excessive! "

    Blame wrote on Dec 5, 2009 1:11 PM:

    " Enough blame to go around... Parents of the girl are sorry for their part too-- stated in the court room and paper!! "

    For the Defense wrote on Dec 5, 2009 12:08 AM:

    " And since, in hindsight, we know for a fact he did commit the acts, he said so himself in court, it is not a strectch that he would have been found guilty for something he most certainly did. If you don't like the rules, lobby your representatives to change them. "

    For the defense wrote on Dec 4, 2009 8:47 PM:

    " Hernandez actually got this kid a sweet plea agreement. Had it gone to trial, he would be looking at sexual conduct with a minor instead of attempted sexual conduct with a minor which he plead out to. The jury would have been heavily weighed in her favor, 14-year-old girl victim versus 20-year-old male aggressor, and it wouldn't have mattered if it was consensual or not, a 14-year-old cannot give consent for sex in Arizona. The prosecutor would have only had to prove the deed(s) took place and Blake would have faced a much more lengthy sentence. "

    Judgment wrote on Dec 4, 2009 7:00 PM:

    " I can't wait till those that judge are judged with that same judgment that they judge!!!!!!!! "

    Jury Trial wrote on Dec 4, 2009 6:54 PM:

    " Get real "Please", the other side of that is with a jury of 12-- the man could have also gone free. Sounds like it was a 50/50 chance because it was a he said she said case-- there was no evidence that could stand alone. (?) "

    Please wrote on Dec 4, 2009 10:38 AM:

    " Most of you people that say 10 years was to harsh? Do your research people find out what the maximum of his sentence could have been if it went to trial!! As a fact of this case if it went to trial he could of faced anywhere from 22 years to a maximum of 44 years he got lucky with what he got!! And any parent out there put your underage child in a room with this man and you'll think better bout sideing or sticking up for him! He'll do it again! HE IS A SICK MAN!!!!!!!!!!!! "

    Wondering wrote on Dec 1, 2009 2:29 PM:

    " To Legal Wise- Confirmed the IQ info from Blake's parents. Also found out that Blake has been diagnosed with ADD, ADHD and something called Tourrets Syndrom and that all of this was disclosed to the judge. "

    NOTE to father of D. wrote on Dec 1, 2009 1:37 PM:

    " This kid did NOT Plea Guilty to Rape - NOR did the officers in this investigation believe there was force used but it was a consentual act(s)... but the law says a girl of 14 can not legally give consent. I personally, believe it is time for the law to be looked at, and changed. The kids are having sex and parents are putting girls as young as 12 on Birth Control too. Mind you I am not saying this girl was on birthcontrol! But I am saying there are lots of sexually active young girls. Believe it or not. "

    Lets Be Real wrote on Dec 1, 2009 8:08 AM:

    " Let's all try to remember that two families have been affected. Girls at that age are not very innocent these days but boys his age should know better. Remember there are always two sides to every story and neither of these two have publicly told their sides... "

    LegalWise wrote on Dec 1, 2009 6:25 AM:

    " Mr. Wondering, are you sure it was only an IQ of 69, because that is a very low IQ. "

    Wondering wrote on Nov 30, 2009 4:17 PM:

    " I heard that Blake only has an IQ of 69. What would that make his mental age? Shouldn't that have been factored into this case...just wondering. "

    Interesting wrote on Nov 27, 2009 10:50 AM:

    " Interestingly enough, the parents are claiming the Victims in this-- apparently. The mother also wrote the girls letter to the judge. I heard the Prosecuting Attorney NEVER talked to the girl/victim. (?) Doesn't this seem odd? "

    Wake up to the injustice wrote on Nov 26, 2009 4:38 PM:

    " From someone who has testified as an expert witness in criminal cases for almost two decades I would like to point out that if anyone thinks we have justice in this country they had better think again! It is ALL POLITICS and MONEY - LOTS OF MONEY! Interesting that this judge and prosecutor have a record of 6 out of 7 of the last cases with harsh sentences . . . are you aware that they can make money off those sitting behind bars? Someone needs to be asking hard some questions! "

    Confused wrote on Nov 25, 2009 3:45 PM:

    " Why is it that this community thinks that 12 - 15 year old girls are not having sex?? Have you asked our doctors, nurses and educators if they are? I think you will be in for a very rude awakening when you do. I think it is time we pulled our heads out of the sand! "

    LegalWise wrote on Nov 25, 2009 11:37 AM:

    " I can name at least 2 local families that allow their 14 yr old daughters to "date" 20+ men. My question is this: if those families decide to do a flippy flop because these men decide to hit the road, does this open the door for those parents to walk through? Does this set a precedence forcing the judge to hand down 10 yr sentences in those cases? I think this opens too big a door. I have to say I think the sentence was harsh. 5 yrs. is appropriate. "

    Get the facts wrote on Nov 25, 2009 11:12 AM:

    " By no means do I call Elias a friend, he was more of someone that I just knew. I'm not saying what he did was right or justifying his actions. Yet, everyone makes it sound like he went out and forceably raped a helpless person... To those of you that think that all I can say is maybe you should take the time to learn what really happened in this case and not what our closed minded town wants to paint this man as. "

    Russ wrote on Nov 24, 2009 11:31 PM:

    " You can read but statutory rape does not exist in this state. We call it sexual conduct with a minor. Terminology keeps everybody on the same page. And there are many reasons for a plea agreement other than what you listed. Just be happy he is off the street "

    Well wrote on Nov 24, 2009 10:32 PM:

    " Russ, you are just splitting hairs again. It is labeled as sexual conduct with a minor which is a class 6 felony if the minor is over 15 and a class 2 felony if the minor is under 15 as in the Blake case. It is against the law and is statuatory rape because a minor cannot give consent for sex. Stop splitting hairs. The man had sex with a girl who barely turned 14. On top of being a disgusting act on his part, also very illegal and the presumed sentence is 10 years in prison. Don't doit! "

    Russ wrote on Nov 24, 2009 9:43 PM:

    " Well- read the the Arizona Revised Statutes. There is no such charge as "statutory rape." At least not in this state. "

    weird wrote on Nov 24, 2009 6:00 PM:

    " "Facts" that is a great question for Judge Holt now isn't it? You would think he would have noticed things seemed off and dug into this a little bit more eh? "

    Facts wrote on Nov 24, 2009 2:02 PM:

    " So when are we going to get the real story and facts. I know there is way more to this story than meets the eye!! "

    Well wrote on Nov 23, 2009 6:23 PM:

    " To saddened, Blake admitted having sex with a 14-year-old girl. That is called statutory rape. His attorney worked out a deal so he could plead guilty of attempted sexual conduct. The prosecution agreed, most likely, so the victim would not have to face a trial. Calling what he did anything else is really only splitting hairs. "

    Saddened wrote on Nov 23, 2009 6:04 PM:

    " Father of Daughters: You might want to research a little before venting. Blake never plead guilty to rape! You might want to research some of the facts in this case. "

    father of daughters wrote on Nov 23, 2009 2:34 PM:

    " He is a Rapist he pleaded guilty to rape. Therefore he is a RAPIST. "

    Actually wrote on Nov 22, 2009 10:17 PM:

    " Newsflash for "JR" Blake is LDS, Parmeter is not. Kind of blows your ill-advised theory out of the water, doesn't it? Looks like your axe with the religion can't be ground here. Face it, you want it to be that way to justify your hate, but in reality, it is not so. If anything, Holt is more harsh on those who are LDS to show that he will not play favorites. "

    JR wrote on Nov 22, 2009 9:58 PM:

    " Too bad he was not Mormon. If he was he would have received a lighter sentence. Just like that School teacher did. What a shame. That is why I moved from the Gila Valley. I am not faulting LDS but when your Government is ran by these people and you don't attend their church
    you don't stand a chance. His sentence was not harsh enough, but let's be honest give everyone the same sentence. Sex predators need to be off the street. "

    perspective wrote on Nov 21, 2009 4:43 PM:

    " He's NOT a rapist! He just made a bad choice...the girl granted she was 14 made a bad choice as well, she was consenting. They both did wrong. Blake new better but 10 years, get real. The judge was wrong in this case to sentence for 10 years, he's up for re-election and this was nothing but a political ploy! "

    father of daughters wrote on Nov 20, 2009 10:57 PM:

    " What gets me in both these cases is that there are women who take these scum bags into their homes. Allow them to be around their children as if its not going to happen to their children. I just dont get what these people are thinking. The last person I would have around one of my children is a rapist. These people need help right along with the molesters they contribute to the problem. "

    cont wrote on Nov 20, 2009 5:35 PM:

    " cant compare apples to oranges but the system needs to become a little more just and it has become ridiculous with over crowded prisons and jails. Make the time fit the crime!! "

    and now to Parameters case wrote on Nov 20, 2009 5:33 PM:

    " 14 or 16 they are both underaged. The sad thing is the age difference in Parameters case was much more drastic and the outcome of his wife and childs death cant completely be blamed on him. However most of us know that he has no control of her choices but he had control of his own. He was supposed to be a coach and role model and lost his child, his job, and his wife because he was too caught up in being a sex predator. What a shame. I feel sorry for judges because you cant compare apples "

    Joe Lunt wrote on Nov 20, 2009 3:41 PM:

    " This means every underage unmarried girl who gives birth will be required to give up the father to to charge and tried for rape and child abuseright. "

    actions wrote on Nov 19, 2009 6:09 PM:

    " I will not argue that Parmeter broke his marriage vows and his wife's heart and caused so much heartbreak to others through his actions. In my opinion, he deserved to spend the rest of his life locked up. I still will not agree, however, that he or his actions are the cause of the deaths of his wife and child. I strongly believe that each of us is responsible for our own actions. To blame their deaths on his horrendous behavior would be like blaming my spouse for treating me so terribly that it drove me to commit adultry. "

    sickened wrote on Nov 19, 2009 9:26 AM:

    " Those of you who see Parmeter as doing no wrong. Think about the fact that he was married and a father. What a great example of honoring marriage vows. He did not directly kill his wife and child, but his actions contributed to the results, did they not? Or are we so modern that adultry is no longer a wrong deed? Is there any guarantee that he will not indulge in sex with an underage girl ever again. What is his deterrent? Hands slapped, bad boy, don't do it again. Yeh right!!!!!!! "

    Facts wrote on Nov 18, 2009 9:28 AM:

    " Interestingly, there isn't much in the way of criminal cases for this guy. Traffic, marriage, divorce and such do NOT fall under the same criteria. Way different from Criminal activity -- I'd say!! "

    amazed wrote on Nov 18, 2009 12:16 AM:

    " Our prisons are full to the brim. Now we're paying for someone else to be behind bars. I think some of our laws are too much. Maybe parents should be in charge of minors and watch them all the time so they don't get involved with older men. My grandmother was married at 15 - sure glad my grandfather was not put behind bars. We need to change the law and the judge. Election is coming up next year. "

    Ugh wrote on Nov 17, 2009 8:52 PM:

    " To "Fact Finder" I just did my own fact search and your results are incorrect he only has 14 things. Plus not all of those are even cases....Also conduct/assault/fighting can't always be avoided ever heard of self defense? "

    Fact Finder wrote on Nov 17, 2009 12:34 PM:

    " Whoa- just looked up Blake's public records... 17 cases! 2 for disorderly conduct/assualt/fighting looks like this guy has a history of not being able to control himself. Just hope taking him away from his daughter won't destory the father/daughter bond. "

    why wrote on Nov 16, 2009 8:24 PM:

    " "To parents, there is nothing more precious in life than their child." Why then are there kids in foster care, orphanges, and on the streets? Also why do abortions still take place then? "

    change wrote on Nov 16, 2009 3:55 PM:

    " "Times have changed" I totally agree with you times have changed and our laws need to do the same "

    Times have changed wrote on Nov 16, 2009 3:25 PM:

    " Don't know about others, but I know that two of my great grandmothers married at age 14. I am sure that many others out there also have grandmothers that married this young. Why does the law call these young women children??? "

    hmm... wrote on Nov 16, 2009 12:38 PM:

    " To "Here’s an idea.” true everyone knows this is illegal but why then are there so many illegal relationships among teenagers that go unreported every year? Did you know current laws are not set up to protect the virgins in cases like this? The government originally created this law to lower teenage pregnancies. "

    me wrote on Nov 16, 2009 12:33 PM:

    " To "Captain America" How does what one has done in ones life change there sentence for doing something illegal? what ever happened to everyone being equal? "

    Heres an idea. wrote on Nov 15, 2009 11:51 AM:

    " You can't compare the Parmenter case to this one!! They are two seperate circumstances.!! "

    Heres an idea. wrote on Nov 15, 2009 11:48 AM:

    " To all the detractors of Judge Holt's decision: Are you kidding me? Doesen't everyone KNOW that having sex with ANY child is not only illegal but morally reprehensible? I think the defendant in this case should, if anything, have even MORE restrictions and requirements levied against him upon his release.
    GROW A BRAIN......THEN A BACKBONE!!!! "

    Captain America wrote on Nov 15, 2009 8:03 AM:

    " Law Student, Apples to Oranges.

    Parmeter was a great coach. He helped EAC win a lot of games. Did Blake lead the B-ball team to greatness?

    ... didn't think so. "

    Roadrunner wrote on Nov 14, 2009 5:08 PM:

    " To Law Student & other Bloggers:

    Some keep referring to Coach Parameter & trying to compare his case to this one. If anyone knew the facts of both, although they have similarities, when it came to actual charges, convictions and sentences, they're both completely different.

    You need to do your homework rather than shooting from the lip.

    Get one FACT RIGHT!! Parameter wasn't & isn't a Killer!!! "

    Roadrunner wrote on Nov 14, 2009 5:03 PM:

    " Law Student,

    You obviously show that you are not one by your mere ignorance of the facts of both cases.

    Go play Lawyer somewhere else. "

    Double Standard wrote on Nov 14, 2009 4:01 PM:

    " Why is it that women are almost never convicted for these types of crime? I have a friend in Tennessee that tried to have her 19 year old daughter charged for being sexually involved with a 15 year old boy and authorities refuse to do anything about it. Her daughter and this boy are even living together. "

    actions wrote on Nov 14, 2009 7:24 AM:

    " While I agree that Parmeter is scum and definitely deserved much harsher punishment than he recieved, I have a problem blaming the deaths of his wife and child on his actions. They died as a direct result of his wife's actions. Many people have been through much worse and have not murdered their own child! I am in no way condoning Parmeter's behavior. Like I said, he is scum but in my opinion, so was his wife for doing what she did! Blake also got what he deserves. "

    Law student wrote on Nov 13, 2009 3:50 PM:

    " I'm not trained in the law (bcause I chose an "honorable" profession), but the disparity in sentencing in some of these cases is ASTONISHING.

    Parmeter was 38---his victim was 16. That is TWENTY TWO YEAR'S DIFFERENCE. In the above case, the two young people were only what--- 6 years apart?

    And tthis kid----who DID do something wrong---no question about it---gets a sentence TWENTY times as long as Parmeter's.

    Plus, no one DIED as a result of Blake's actions---NOT as in the Parmeter case.
    Does anyone out there really think this is fair? "

    Representation U Deserve wrote on Nov 13, 2009 3:43 PM:

    " Are there any statistics available on the average local IQ (that means "intelligence quotient") ?

    Reading some of these blogs has convinced me that many local people (and quite a few elected officials) AREN'T TOO BRIGHT.

    But, I guess if the locals are not the "sharpest tools in the shed", then it makes sense that they would elect representatives who reflect that quality.

    SO---it all makes perfect sense! "

    Well wrote on Nov 13, 2009 2:59 PM:

    " It's not like he took it to trial, the guy plead guilty for his crime. If he had taken it to trial, more information may have been said in open court, but he would have risked a substantially longer sentence as well. "

    ... wrote on Nov 13, 2009 2:56 PM:

    " It is so interesting to see just how well ones government can screw one over...and to think most of us put the most pressure and concern on who is to be the next president maybe we all should look more into or court systems after all they are the ones that can personally affect each of our lives...it is almost as if they have more control over things then the president himself...I mean after all the court system can decide whether or not you live or die due to the mistakes you make in your life "

    To Jake the Snake wrote on Nov 13, 2009 9:31 AM:

    " I would think this was unjust if it were my daughter!!! "

    Reporting wrote on Nov 13, 2009 9:27 AM:

    " Interestingly enough all the facts were not presented by the paper. More was said in court in Blakes favor. If more facts were presented to the general public more would be out raged over this. "

    azrules wrote on Nov 13, 2009 12:45 AM:

    " saying what we want with no repercussions is awesome! "

    On the outside looking in wrote on Nov 12, 2009 10:46 PM:

    " 10 years is the presumptive sentence. That means if you are caught doing this, it is presumed you will get 10 years. Don't forget the county prosecutor and his probation officer also recommended 10 years as well. "

    missing him wrote on Nov 12, 2009 10:15 PM:

    " how does Holt even sleep at night is what i keep thinking.Elias is a wonderful guy who does not deserve this..10 yrs is rediculous.There are people out there doing less time for murder. Elias comes from a wonderful family i pray for them and him every night! "

    Roadrunner wrote on Nov 12, 2009 8:58 PM:

    " The girl, is just that. She's a 14 year old girl who doesn't have the right to give consent under the law. She's still a very impressionable girl.

    Elias on the other hand is the 21 to 22 year old adult male who should know better. "

    Roadrunner wrote on Nov 12, 2009 8:53 PM:

    " If one were to review the many sex offender crimes that are charged & sentenced in this State, you will find that Judge Holt sentence per the Arizona Sentencing guidelines within the law. Do your homework & check it out.

    When someone plays with fire, they risk getting burnt.

    Great JOB Judge Holt. "

    Whatever wrote on Nov 12, 2009 4:53 PM:

    " It's so easy for the random spectator to yell at the refs from the sidelines and think that they can do a way better job, but go in there and try being the ref. It's an awesome responsibility to be a judge and so many people keep yelling from the sidelines boldly stating that they could do so much better. Look at the facts and think about what you're saying before you open your mouth "

    Russ wrote on Nov 12, 2009 3:45 PM:

    " If you think there are inequities in the sentencing out of the courthouse (and there is) then find an attorney who will run against the judge in the next election. Then vote for him or her. Make sure it is an attorney though that won't back down when the late night phone call comes telling them to withdraw from the race in exchange for something else later on. If no attorney steps up to the plate then we get what we deserve. "

    Really wrote on Nov 12, 2009 10:21 AM:

    " Why did he have to pay for the mothers counseling too? Really? 10 years and have to pay $900 dollars. What kinda place is Safford turning into? "

    WayTooMuch wrote on Nov 12, 2009 10:13 AM:

    " Shouldn't the girl have known to stay away from the guy after the first supposed incident? 10 years was not at all right for this. Way too much. "

    Roadrunner wrote on Nov 12, 2009 9:07 AM:

    " Bloggers,
    You make reference to EAC Coach, However, you forget that Parameter wasn't charged with Rape, or Murder. As immoral a situation it may have been all the way around, his victim was 16 at the time & was 18 by the time it was over. According to our Laws, age does make a difference.
    Elias' victim was 14.
    Guys over 18 years old get the message:
    DON'T HAVE SEX WITH GIRLS UNDER 18 YEARS OLD. IT'S AGAINST THE LAW.
    plain & simple. Anyone with a Brain should know this. "

    Roadrunner wrote on Nov 12, 2009 9:00 AM:

    " Bloggers,

    Whether or not you agree with the sentence handed out, You jump to conclusions based upon what little you know.

    Judge Holt sentenced fairly under the law as to what was presented to him in Court. "

    To Upset wrote on Nov 11, 2009 4:09 PM:

    " Those two guys were 19 and 21 years old. They got $300 dollar fines and unsupervised probation for contributing to the delinquency of a minor and providing alcohol to a minor. Pretty petty fine I say. "

    Agree wrote on Nov 11, 2009 11:53 AM:

    " People do need to read the rest of the aticles on this case, i believe he was dating the older sister, and was welcomed into the home. Doesnt mean he has aright to do this. Smarter than you has problems to blame these parents, I hope the family is Ok. Good Job Judge Holt. Blake deserved what he got. "

    Blind Justice wrote on Nov 11, 2009 9:12 AM:

    " Never really understood why Justice is blindfolded until I saw how Judge Holt turned a blind eye to the facts in this case!!!! "

    Still Disgusted wrote on Nov 10, 2009 11:29 PM:

    " We'll apparently some people that read articles about these disgusting people don't keep track or follow up on cases, if you would have read before in other articles involving this case he was a friend to the family of the older sister. Which this guy took advantage of a good family and good parents, as i would know from knowing this family. This family would certainly NOT let underage dating happen, and people that want to blame the parents before knowing exactly what happend, your no better than Mr. Blake here!!! Death Penalty sounds more reasonable to me! "

    Smarter Than What wrote on Nov 10, 2009 9:37 PM:

    " With all the anti Judge Holt comments on this blog it sounds like a group of Pedophiles trying to cover for one of their own, or justify the act. It was not the victims fault, the parents fault or the Judges fault. The responsibly for this act is with Blake 100%, he made the decision to engage in sex with the victim and the Judge made the decision to send Blake to prison for 10 years. Everybody has choices, Blake made the wrong choice. "

    What wrote on Nov 10, 2009 6:08 PM:

    " To smarter than you--your insane to blame the parents of the child and say they are more at fault than the man that did the crime. These are good parents, he did wrong- don't blame the wrong person. If he wasn't responsible he wouldn't have pled guilty and admitted to what he did. "

    Well Please wrote on Nov 10, 2009 5:47 PM:

    " You don't look very smart when you place more blame on the parents then on the perpetrator of the crime. Blake did his crime, now he has to do his time. Parmeter is an entirely different set of rules because the girl was 16 not 14. That makes it go from a class 6 felony to a class 3. Very different sentencing structures for the different classes of felonies. If you find fault with that, blame the legislatures who set the sentencing requirements and the voters who approve them, not the judge who enforces the law. "

    What wrote on Nov 10, 2009 4:09 PM:

    " I'm confused----

    Didn't we just let the EAC Bassketball Coach off with a 6 month sentence for a MUCH worse crime?

    Didn't two people DIE as a result of HIS indisgression?

    Or do we treat basketball coaches as some kind of "priveleged characters"?

    What's up with that? "

    Russ wrote on Nov 10, 2009 4:08 PM:

    " Is there an election coming up? They are all starting to blur together. Not that it matters, Holt always runs unopposed. Sucks. "

    Confused wrote on Nov 10, 2009 4:03 PM:

    " I was jsut thinking about Coach Tim Parmeter---who was having an affair with a local 16 year-old. I think he was over 35 when it happenned.

    I heard he got a 6 month sentence for that.

    Seems like Parmeter was a much more serious threat to society than this kid---who got a sentence TWENTY times as long as Coach Tim's..

    Were these two cases tried in the same country---or was one tried in the TWILIGHT ZONE? "

    Mamoud wrote on Nov 10, 2009 3:59 PM:

    " Congratulations to Judge Holt---I love strong sentences for bad criminals.

    In my coountry, we know how to treat the evil-doers.

    We cut off tongues for those who speak oout of turn---and we cut off hands for those who steal a loaf of bread.

    And if someone doesn't know their place and show proper respect---they are stoned in the marketplace.

    Maybe Judge Holt should come and dispense justice in my country. He would be revered as a savior---and be rewarded with many camels! "

    Smarter Than You wrote on Nov 10, 2009 3:54 PM:

    " Who is writing these pro- Judge Holt comments? Probably Judge Holt.

    Your job is not to "make examples". Your job is to dispense justice.

    The real criminals in this case are the girl's parents---who should be doing hard time for inadequate supervision of their daughter. About 5 years in prison for each of them would be about right.

    The young man involved is not as responsible as the girl's parents in this case. he should have been punished---but 10 years? "

    Solomon wrote on Nov 10, 2009 3:47 PM:

    " OK---so Tim Parmeter, age 38, can have relations with a 16 year old---ultimately resulting in TWO DEATHS (his wife's suicide & the murder of their son) and HE gets a 6 month sentence---and DOESN'T have to register as a sex offender.

    This poor kid gets 10 years.

    Sad to live in a state that allows this kind of situation to exist. Is this FAIR? "

    family friend wrote on Nov 10, 2009 2:53 PM:

    " Elias comes from a great family. Good parents and siblings. May we remember this is hard for them too He's a great guy just a bad decision. Elias was an employee of mine and the guy worked harder than any kid I knew. Good luck to him and his family. May God bless them as they go through this. "

    upset wrote on Nov 10, 2009 2:51 PM:

    " I remember reading a story a few months back where 2 boys, 18 and 19 if i remember right were cought after hours providing beer to 2 14 year old girls and doing some very adult things when they were cought, how did they miss the rader? One of the boys names was mandell, what ever happen to them? "

    writter wrote on Nov 10, 2009 2:13 PM:

    " i think they should have gave him less time i mean ten years come on there are plenty more guys that have been raping girls out there and get cought and they get what two years "

    UNJUST wrote on Nov 10, 2009 1:52 PM:

    " How do you feel justice was served in this case???? Blake will be setting in prison with Guys that brutally raped very young children and are only serving 5 years??? How is this just. How would that make you feel??? Blow smoke somewhere else. "

    Mother Check wrote on Nov 10, 2009 1:38 PM:

    " Mothers are to know where there children are, who they are with, and what they are doing until they are 18.
    I know that is HARD. (I've been there.) But apparently, parents need to be reminded that that is their Job! Don't put your children in ackward situations. Come on! "

    In Need of a Deterrent wrote on Nov 10, 2009 12:53 PM:

    " Maybe Judge Holt can offer some suggestions for the fine folk in Colorado City. Taking a 14 year old for a "wife" is common among the nutcases in that community and the state doesn't say a word. The mainstream LDS church also turns a blind eye since so many of them are related! They lay up on the welfare of this "socialist government" of ours and make more polygamists. If the residents of that fine community had been mostly Black or Hispanic it would have disappeared long ago! "

    thinker wrote on Nov 10, 2009 12:50 PM:

    " So sure most seem to agree what took place was wrong but not on the sentencing....to those who feel Holt was right....think about how much ones life can change in ten years....how would you like to find your self in jail for ten years with no contact with the outside world...most of us can't stand being laid off from work for a matter of months or a couple years....not to mention very little contact with loved ones...also how many of you have yet to make a mistake in your lives? How easy it is to judge others but not ourselves? "

    Jason wrote on Nov 10, 2009 12:44 PM:

    " You have to give credit when it is due. Out of the last 6 or 7 serious crimes that came before him the judge and the county attorney FINALLY got it right. Just wonder why this guy gets nailed and other serious offenders walked. Lets see not a football player, did not say he was sorry, held no records at safford track, not an important person in the community and with elections around the corner nail him. Well good job in getting him off the streets lets just keep it up though "

    Dont be fast to judge wrote on Nov 10, 2009 12:36 PM:

    " The article states that he was welcomed into their home. NOT that he was welcomed into their home to be with their daughter. Who is to say that he wasn't just a friend of the family. Don't even go and blame the family! "

    Unsure wrote on Nov 10, 2009 11:39 AM:

    " I'm unsure about the lifetime sex offender status. Maybe it is required by law. But--as sick as his crime was--I am not sure that being on supervised sex offender status at age 40 is really needed for someone his age sleeping with someone who was 14. I have a daughter and am disgusted by his crime. This is my only issue with the case. Parmeter was very different. "

    father of daughters wrote on Nov 10, 2009 11:34 AM:

    " I applaud judge Holt he did the right thing.This happens way to much in this community. Also think the parents of the underage girl need punished also. Why would you let a 14 yr old girl be with a 22 yr old man. "

    A Mother wrote on Nov 10, 2009 11:31 AM:

    " Thank you Judge Holt. Men get confused when 14 year-old girls, dress like a woman, walk like a woman, and talk like a woman. She is still just a girl. "

    NO APPOLOGIES wrote on Nov 10, 2009 9:26 AM:

    " I agree that holt did what he had to do in sentencing Blake, people need to realise they cant go around sleeping with minors and getting away with it. I mean really, what was he thinking??? I'm also wondering where this young girl's parents were and why they were leaving her with a 22 year old man in the first place???? "

    Unjust wrote on Nov 10, 2009 5:15 AM:

    " It states in the article that the family of the victim "welcomed" Blake "into their family" who knew the age of the male, why then would they allow unsupervised contact with their underage daughter? How then were the parents protecting their under age daughter? Ten Years??? It has happened more than enough times in this area when a minor has sexual intercourse with Someone over the age of 18 and they were not punished so harshly... Guilty? Yes! But Ten Years?? Come on! "

    Good Job Judge wrote on Nov 9, 2009 5:12 PM:

    " Judge Holt was right on this sentence. Hopefully the victim and her family are able to go one with their lives. Congratulations to the victim for being brave enough to come forward you are a hero. "

    good job holt wrote on Nov 9, 2009 4:09 PM:

    " you deserve an award for putting one more scumbag behind bars for at leats 10 years "

    offender wrote on Nov 9, 2009 3:48 PM:

    " Once a sex offender always a sex offender. These men and women do not stop until they are dead!!! It is in their genetic make up. They will do their crime and always re offend. When it comes to sex offenders in this world, there is no justice for their victims as they will just move on from one victim to the next... "

    Jake The Snake wrote on Nov 9, 2009 3:30 PM:

    " Judge Holt did nothing wrong. These people would complain either way, too light of a sentence or too harsh, there is just no way to make some people happy, so the the Judge did the only other thing he could do, and that is do the right thing. I wonder how many people would think this was an unjust sentence if it were their daughter, sister or friend that was the victim. "

    good job holt wrote on Nov 9, 2009 2:41 PM:

    " i dont understand what holt did wrong? "

    We live in an insane world wrote on Nov 9, 2009 12:32 PM:

    " A reversal on the sentences in these two cases would have been understandable but --this seems so UNJUST. "

    Apples to oranges wrote on Nov 9, 2009 12:06 PM:

    " Blake's victim was under 15, Parmeter's over. Huge difference under the statutes. Long prison sentences for the first, barely a felony for the second. "

    To Wrote wrote on Nov 9, 2009 10:32 AM:

    " To Wrote. Parmeter's sentences could have panned out a lot different if he would have had a different judge. There was a conflict of interests with judge holt. Parmeter needed a strict sentence like this! "

    pervo wrote on Nov 9, 2009 2:15 AM:

    " WOW "

    wrote on Nov 8, 2009 5:10 PM:

    " So how come Tim Parmeter the old EAC basketball coach did not get Judge Holt? "

WRITE A COMMENT

READER COMMENTS
* Be respectful of others, the writer and the subjects in the story.

* Be relevant. Keep your comments pertinent to the story that is being discussed.

Comment posters are responsible for the opinions they express and the accuracy of the information they provide. We urge comment writers to treat this as a public forum where manners matter. We encourage a collegial, non-insulting tone. All reader comments must be approved by our staff before posting to the Web site. Be aware, in accordance with the Communications Decency Act and provisions upheld in judicial appeal, that you are responsible for comments posted on this Web site. The Eastern Arizona Courier is not liable for messages from third parties. IP addresses can be subpoenaed and your identity established by individuals who have been hurt by your comments.

DO NOT POST:
* Potentially libelous statements or damaging innuendo.
* Obscene, explicit, or racist language.
* Personal attacks, insults or threats.
* The use of another person's real name to disguise your identity: You can be prosecuted for identity theft.
* Comments unrelated to the story.

Opinions, advice and all other information expressed in www.eacourier.com reader comments represent the individual's own views and not those of the Eastern Arizona Courier. The Courier does not endorse and is not responsible for statements, advice or opinions offered by anyone other than Eastern Arizona Courier spokespersons.

Thank you for your comments!

(optional)
Current Word Count:
   



More Enhanced Listings >>

Classifieds


Copper Era
1 Wards Canyon
Clifton, AZ 85533
928-865-3162