Former Vandal Gets 10-Year Sentence

Former University of Idaho football standout Shawn Tracy “Duke” Garrett has not accepted his guilt, says a judge who sentenced him to 10 years in prison for statutory rape of a Moscow girl.

“I’m not going to mince any words. I have before me an arrogant sexual predator,” said 2nd District Judge John Bengtson on Monday. “This case cries out for retribution, punishment for punishment’s sake, the exaction of a pound of flesh.”

He retained jurisdiction over Garrett for 180 days, however, and if Garrett gets a favorable recommendation from the Idaho Department of Correction after the 180-day stint, he could be placed on probation.

Garrett, 24, faced possible life in prison, even though the girl said the sexual encounter on the eve of her 16th birthday was consensual.