Teresa Moon
Matthew Logan Spry, in custody, appeared for sentencing in the Tenth Judicial District Court on October 8 before Judge Thomas Stockard on two Category A Felonies of Lewdness with a Child Under the Age of Fourteen. Spry consent to the terms of sentencing upon participating in a Criminal Settlement Conference held in lieu of a trial. Pursuant to plea negotiations, the Humboldt County charges were dismissed.
The court conducted a Pre-Sentencing Investigation and a Psychosexual Evaluation prior to sentencing. Deputy District Attorney Priscilla Baker presented a victim impact letter, which was admitted into evidence. She told the court the defendant began interactions when victim was about eight years old, which were followed by about six years of abuse. The abuse causes the victim a lot of trauma and trust issues. "I can't trust men behind me, touching me, or being too close. I have anxiety and panic attacks,” wrote the victim. Baker asked for consecutive life sentences.
Churchill County Public Defender Jacob Sommer told the court, “I want to make it clear that Mr. Spry wants to take advantage of the plea agreement that was struck.” Sommer pointed out that his client pled guilty pursuant to Alford as he maintained his innocence. Sommer said Spry did so “to ensure that his family doesn't have to go through the trauma that would certainly occur in the alternative.” He asked that the court follow the recommendations so the matter could be put behind everyone and Spry could move forward.
Spry did not make a statement.
Fees and assessments were imposed with restitution of $2,049.30 for the Psychosexual Evaluation ordered. Spry received two consecutive ten-to-life sentences, for an aggregated sentence of 20 years to life in prison. Judge Stockard granted credit of 815 days for time served. Spry will be subject lifetime supervision and must register as a sex offender immediately upon release from prison. He was remanded to Churchill County Sheriff’s Office for imposition of the sentences.
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