In a disturbing case from Fort Collins, Colorado, a 33-year-old man named Stephen Masalta has been sentenced to three years in prison for some shocking behavior. Masalta pleaded guilty to attempted sexual assault on a child and two counts of indecent exposure. The Larimer County District Attorney’s Office announced that he will get credit for about a year already served, which means he could be out in two years.
Masalta’s actions were truly alarming. He was caught masturbating outside coffee shops, alarming many bystanders, including children. This led the police to investigate further, revealing even more troubling behavior at the Safeway grocery store where he worked. There, he was found to have ejaculated onto unsealed food items in the bakery.
The case raised many concerns about the legal system’s ability to impose a suitable punishment. Assistant Chief Kristy Volesky from Fort Collins Police Services expressed that the sentencing might not meet public expectations but noted that the law has its limitations. Prosecutors had to get creative with the charges because the law doesn’t allow for multiple misdemeanor charges to be stacked together for longer sentences.
Originally, Masalta faced a long list of charges, including 14 misdemeanor counts of indecent exposure and several others related to attempts at unlawful sexual contact. However, the plea deal meant he would serve the maximum time for the felony charge.
District Attorney Gordon McLaughlin described Masalta’s actions as depraved and shocking, emphasizing the impact on the community. He hopes to work with lawmakers to ensure that future crimes like this are adequately addressed by the law.
Since his arrest in February, police discovered videos in Masalta’s home that showed him engaging in these disgusting acts, further revealing the extent of his crimes. He had worked at the Safeway for about two months and had committed many offenses during that time.
Thankfully, detectives managed to notify all the victims affected by his actions. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of community safety and the need for strong legal protections against such behavior.
