UTAH
Deseret News
By McKenzie Romero
@McKenzieRomero
Published: April 17, 2017
PROVO — A flood of criticism is flowing in about a Provo judge’s handling of a sexual assault case.
Constant calls have police evaluating how to keep the judge safe. The defendant’s attorney is arguing statements from the bench are being taken out of context. And a victim in the case is calling the judge’s comments a painful obstacle for others who have been sexually assaulted.
Fourth District Judge Thomas Low has made international headlines for his apparent praise of a former LDS bishop as he sentenced the man to prison last week for sexually abusing two women while they stayed at his home.
As he ordered Keith Vallejo, 43, to spend at least five years and potentially life in prison, the judge called Vallejo “an extraordinarily good man.”
As Low’s comments spread online — with news organizations including the New York Daily News, Washington Post, Associate Press, Huffington Post and others picking up the story — Utah State Courts spokesman Geoff Fattah said a steady string of calls have come in from people voicing criticism or disappointment about the judge.
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