'Indefensible': Utah House votes 67-3 to censure sitting judge Don Torgerson for comments made to "privileged" pedophile

[BlueWaveNeverEnd]

?si=ec3niL_x-SNBhXE8

'Indefensible': Utah House votes 67-3 to censure sitting judge


• The Utah House voted 67-3 to censure Judge Don Torgerson for comments made during a sentencing hearing.
• Torgerson's remarks during a 2025 sentencing hearing were deemed "indefensible" by lawmakers.
• Opponents argued that disciplinary action should be left to professional organizations, not the Legislature.


The rare move, which lawmakers approved in a 67-3 vote, came after a KSL report about that hearing in Grand County, which was presided over by 7th District Judge Don Torgerson.

This issue dates back to May 20, 2025, when Torgerson presided over a sentencing hearing for Aidan Hoffman, who was 22 at the time. According to court documents, Hoffman possessed and distributed child sexual abuse material, including images of children being raped.

Hoffman pleaded guilty to two felonies. Ten others were dropped. Prosecutors pushed for prison time, while Hoffman's defense attorney asked for no additional incarceration, arguing it fell within the recommended sentencing guidelines.

As Torgerson conducted the sentencing, he referred to the nearly four months Hoffman had already spent in jail before getting released with conditions, saying that "112 days is a lot of jail time. It's a lot of jail time for someone your age who comes from some level of privilege."

While scolding Hoffman for his crimes, the judge also suggested the defendant could help other young men in his situation. He ended up placing Hoffman on probation for four years while requiring him to register as a sex offender.

"You have more of a voice than some," Torgerson said, "because you do come from a background of some privilege."

During the hearing, Torgerson also viewed two videos Hoffman possessed showing children being raped and abused. Afterward, the judge noted he's "seen worse" while adding that he was not meant to "minimize" what Hoffman did.


https://www.ksl.com/article/51456640/indefensible-utah-house-votes-67-3-to-censure-sitting-judge

[msongs]

1. is the judge an elder? is the perp and elder? after all utah loves MAgA family values nt