RE: Jacob W Anderson, 2016-768-C1

As I did when this plea agreement was offered, I believe today’s sentencing by Judge Strother was the

best outcome given the facts of this case. Conflicting evidence and statements exist in this case making

the original allegation difficult to prove beyond a reasonable doubt. As a prosecutor, my goal is no more

victims. I believe that is best accomplished when there is a consequence rather than an acquittal. This

offender is now on felony probation and will receive sex offender treatment, a result which was not

guaranteed, nor likely, had we gone to trial.

I would also urge those upset about this agreement to consider their source of information. Any lawyer

can issue a statement, but taking a statement and proving the truth of its contents beyond a reasonable

doubt to a jury, when a complaining witness is subject to cross examination, is a different task entirely.

Given the claims made publicly, I understand why people are upset. However, all of the facts must be

considered and there are many facts that the public does not have. In approving this agreement, Judge

Strother had access to all the statements that have ever been made by all people involved and agreed

that the plea agreement offered was appropriate in this case.

- Hilary LaBorde, Assistant District Attorney