Judge Brent Moss... a new thought.

There's a new sex offender case in Rexburg. Tim Ricks has allegedly been molesting children for the past three decades or so.

It's very possible -- perhaps inevitable -- that Ricks' case will go before Judge Brent Moss of the 7th District. In the past six months we know Judge Moss' record on sex offenders. In November Moss sentenced one of the state's worst-ever sex offenders -- Michael Nef -- to several years in prison, but he retained jurisdiction and sent Nef to Cottonwood for six months. Six months. I won't go into detail but the police reports talk about a dog and a video camera... Six months.

In all fairness, Nef will very likely spend many years in prison, but most are wondering why a six month rider would even be necessary.

Let's not forget the more recent cases of Stephen Gunter and Adele Dye. Both of them are horrible people and should rot in prison. Gunter, a father of three, molested a two-year-old girl. Adele Dye was a young women's leader in her ward, and she used her position to have a lesbian relationship with one of the girls. While I'm sure the Lord loves them, and we must forgive them, it is our requirement to get them out of society and keep them out of society.

And yes, Judge Brent Moss gave them each multi-year prison sentences... with retained jurisdiction, meaning both Gunter and Dye will spend time in six month rider programs, presumably with a chance to return to society after six months if their behavior is good enough.

I've spoken with Judge Brent Moss, and he says his decision to place these monsters in six month programs is really a method for him to have more time to make a decision.

This thought occurred to me over the weekend, because I can't imagine why anyone with a reasonable thought process would ever allow a dog-and-camera monster like Michael Nef back onto the streets after six months of incarceration. If it's a slap on the wrist, then it's with a wet noodle. It's nothing.

But here's my thought... There have been many cases of sexual abuse coming out in Madison and Jefferson County... Is it possible, perhaps, maybe, that Judge Moss puts them in six month rider programs to lure the predators out? While I disdain pedophiles, I do believe they hate what they are, and would love to get the help they need. I believe many of them desire to lead normal lives, and to stop hurting children, but are overcome by their compulsions.

If they feel they have a chance at freedom after six months, perhaps they're more likely to report and cooperate.

The proof will start to come next month. Moss will decide if Michael Nef will have a chance at freedom. If he allows Nef to return to the streets, all hell will break loose. My voice will be among the loudest of those wanting to boot him from the bench. Later in the fall, more proof will come as he decides Gunter's and Dye's fates.

But, if Moss has allowed his reputation to suffer by using six-month rider programs to lure predators out from the shadows, he's a hero.

It's just a thought.