FRANKFORT, Ky. (KNX) — There are two options for Brandon Scott Price, a man convicted of sexual assault in Kentucky — go to jail for 12 months or join the military.
The 28-year-old deputy jailer was arrested in 2019 for engaging in a sexual relationship with a female inmate at the Franklin County Jail and charged with third-degree sodomy, according to WKYT News.
Two years later, in court Wednesday, Judge Thomas Wingate gave Price the option of serving a 12-month sentence suspended for two years, or enlisting in the military by February, The State Journal reported, adding that if Price takes the military route the judge would overturn jail time for his crimes.
While Price was originally charged with third-degree sodomy, his charges have been reduced to second-degree sexual assault, according to the newspaper.
“If you don’t enroll in 30 days, you can report to the Franklin County Regional Jail,” Wingate said. “You're getting a huge break...you made a terrible mistake, which I know personally cost the county money."
At this time it's unclear what decision Price will make.
The "join the military or go to jail" concept isn't new, but it's been out of practice and now seems to be making a comeback.
Last December Florida Senator Darryl Rouson proposed a bill to bring back a similar option for criminals in his state, Task and Purpose reported. The bill would allow anyone 25 years old or younger, "facing less than four years of jail time for misdemeanor offenses" to enlist. To read more, click here.
Six months after the assault that Price was charged for, the female inmate filed a lawsuit against Franklin County in federal court, alleging that Price did several things wrong on the day of her assault, according to the Journal.
The newspaper reported that the inmate told investigators that Price was given the opportunity to assault her when he was tasked with taking her to the emergency room for elevated blood pressure.
Over the course of that time she said he made "sexually-charged comments" and ultimately sexually assaulted her while she remained in her shackles.
Follow KNX News 97.1 FM
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Related
