My guess is this decision was far more economic than anything else... There is usually far more to any story than headlines... And most of the real story never gets told.
I had to guess, and not defending but guessing, poor rural family with other extenuating circumstance and putting him away would likely destitute an already struggling situation. Don’t know, but guessing this isn’t just some pedophile judge being lenient... Not condoning it, at all... But betting there is more to this.
That would be a horrible situation, if they need his income to survive.
Because he will keep raping the girl and it sounds like ma and grandma will look away.
The BEST stepfather I ever knew worked with me at an investment bank.
The father was hispanic and disappeared to his native home and my friend stepped right up.
He died of cancer at 40. Figures.