A Denver judge on Friday sentenced former doctor Stephen Matthews to 158 years in prison for drugging 10 women he met on a dating app and sexually assaulting eight of them. The sentence, equivalent to life in prison, drew applause from Matthews’ victims and their families.
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“The evidence in this case is overwhelming,” Judge Eric Johnson handed down the verdict, addressing Matthews directly.
“You have made this world smaller,” the judge said.
In August, the jury was convicted of a crime Matthews allegedly lured the woman to his west Denver townhouse during a date and spiked her drink with an unknown substance. He met women on popular dating apps like Hinge and Tinder. many women said that I had only sporadic memories. What happened after they drank with Matthews? Others said they regained consciousness and were naked in bed with Matthews, who had raped them.
21 people have issued victim impact statements
One of the victims said: “We are now a powerful army of survivors and you are nothing.”
She called Matthews a “narcissistic monster” and a “serial rapist.”
Before handing down the sentence, the judge heard victim impact statements from 21 people, including victims, their families and supporters.
Many of the women accused Matthews of “gaslighting” them after drugging them during their dates between 2019 and 2023, trying to convince them that whatever happened was their fault, and forcing them to drink. He said it suggested that he was drinking alcohol too much or that he couldn’t hold back alcohol.
One victim’s mother said: “What you did was despicable.” She described Matthews’ actions as “appalling and cruel. You imposed a life sentence on these women and their families.”
denver police
Many of the victims described the long-term effects of Matthews’ drugging and sexual assaults, saying they suffered from anxiety, depression, paranoia and physical problems.
One of the victims said: “You drugged me, raped me and made me think it was my fault.”
Many said Matthews had no remorse, took no responsibility for what he did, and had no regard for the women he affected.
Defense attorney says appeal is underway
Matthews did not speak at the sentencing, but attorney Douglas Cohen said that’s because Matthews plans to appeal the conviction. He said Mr Matthews had been instructed “not to say anything”.
Mr. Cohen disagreed with the jury’s verdict and partially blamed the news media and law firm for labeling Mr. Matthews a sex offender. After the verdict, Cohen declined further comment.
Stephen Matthews’ parents ask judge for lighter sentence
In court, Matthews’ family asked the judge to give him a lighter sentence, saying he could be rehabilitated.
“It’s sad that so many lives have been affected and changed,” Matthews’ father said.
“I’m not here to defend or undermine. I’m not proud to be here,” Marshal Matthews’ father said. Additionally, she said her son is an alcoholic and exhibits “narcissistic behavior.”
Matthews remained calm during the four-and-a-half hour hearing, not looking at the victim or showing any emotion, except when her mother testified. Her appeal to the judge, “Don’t throw away the key,” seemed to bring her son to tears.
“I will always love you, and no matter what,” she said.
Judge tells victim: ‘You were believed’
Prosecutor Victoria Kelly told the court she believed there were “more than a dozen victims”.
Judge Eric Johnson addressed the victims directly in the courtroom in his closing comments.
“You were believed. That’s what the verdict said.”
He said he could not help them heal, but “please live well and be happy. I pray for peace.”
Johnson then ordered Matthews to begin serving his sentence immediately.
After the sentencing, Denver District Attorney Beth McCann said in a statement that Matthews’ crimes were “despicable” and that “today’s sentence is a great loss to Mr. Matthews, who had the courage to come forward and this resulted in this.” I hope this provides some measure of comfort to everyone.” successful result. ”
brian mars
