Emma Top was raped by her best friend, and the man was found guilty by a jury of felony sex assault. According to the Minnesota sentencing guidelines, he was supposed to serve four years in a state prison, but he was sentenced to a year in the county jail, and was out nine months for good behavior. Top felt betrayed by the justice system. A Star Tribune investigation found that lenient sentences for rape and sexual assault are commonplace in Minnesota, especially when the victim knows the rapist. This episode tells Emma's story, and looks at why convicted rapist get lighter sentences, often avoiding prison time all together.

<p>Emma Top was raped by her best friend, and the man was found guilty by a jury of felony sex assault. According to the Minnesota sentencing guidelines, he was supposed to serve four years in a state prison, but he was sentenced to a year in the county jail, and was out nine months for good behavior. Top felt betrayed by the justice system. A Star Tribune investigation found that lenient sentences for rape and sexual assault are commonplace in Minnesota, especially when the victim knows the rapist. This episode tells Emma's story, and looks at why convicted rapist get lighter sentences, often avoiding prison time all together.</p>

A joint podcast of the Star Tribune and WCCO Radio takes listeners inside
news coverage each week with Star Tribune reporters and editors. WCCO Radio's
Jordana Green is the host.

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