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BOISE - A former Boise Police officer charged with sexually abusing several infants has been sentenced.
Stephen Young was sentenced to 25 years in prison on Wednesday. He'll have to serve 12 and a half years before he's eligible for parole. Young changed his plea in June from not guilty on four counts of lewd conduct to guilty of one count of sexual abuse of a minor.
That charge was for a victim between 14 and 18 months old.
Officials say Young sexually assaulted several infants or toddlers. They were all known to Young but they did not live in his home. The sexual contact happened in various homes in Ada County, police say.
In court on Wednesday, Ada County prosecutors said there were likely up to 20 possible victims.
"He absolutely has no idea the havoc and the confusion and the trauma that he has unleashed on the people that call him husband, father, grandfather and friend," says the Ada County Prosecutor.
In court parents of victims read statements and said they don't believe Young will ever truly admit how many children he molested.
Young also addressed the court and apologized to his family and to the community.
"The words 'I'm sorry' are not enough to describe how I feel. I wish I had the power to heal the many hearts that I had broken," says Young
Young worked from 1995 – 2000 at schools on the Boise Bench, including Owhyee, McKinley, Monroe and Whitney. He then was assigned as a school resource officer to South Jr. High from 2000–2004, and Boise High from 2004–2006.
Boise Police chief Michael Masterson released the following statement:
"Most importantly, my thoughts go out to the victims of these crimes and their families. The crimes committed by Mr, Young are appalling and unconscionable."
"I applaud and appreciate the professional and thorough work of the Sheriff’s Office investigators and Ada County Prosecutors, and support the judgment of the court in today’s sentencing decision."
"Mr. Young took an oath to protect others and he grossly violated that trust. My hope is today’s sentencing will bring some measure of closure and assist in what is most assuredly a very difficult healing process for victims and their families."
"Despite the fact the case against of Mr. Young surfaced following his retirement, it’s timely to reiterate that both members of the community and members of the law enforcement profession expect the highest level of professional and ethical conduct from officers, both on and off-duty."
"The vast majority of those in law enforcement are proud to quietly but honorably serve their community, do so with distinction, and have my fullest and most sincere admiration and support."
