Vermont corrections officials say a man whose relatively lenient sentence for sexually molesting a child generated national controversy almost three years ago is likely to be released from prison in about a month.
Judge Edward Cashman came under fire from lawmakers, Gov. Jim Douglas and a Fox News commentator in January of 2006 when he sentenced Mark Hulett, then 34, of Williston, to 60 days for sexually assaulting the daughter of a family friend numerous times during a four-year period beginning when she was 6.
Cashman, who has since retired, said he wanted to get Hulett out of prison quickly so he could get the sex-offender treatment the Corrections Department initially said it would not provide him behind bars. After the department changed its policy, the judge lengthened the sentence to three years.
Hulett is due for release Jan. 2, but will remain under the Corrections Department’s supervision for life and could return to prison if he commits another offense or violates conditions of his release. His release also depends on finding suitable housing.