On Monday, May 10, at about 1:00 the sentencing hearing began on Mr. Craig Figley. He was the former psychologist for the Colville School District. He had earlier pleaded guilty to four felony sex offenses: Two counts of Child Molestation in the First Degree, one count of Possession of Child Pornography, and one count of attempted Child Molestation in the First Degree. He was represented by Jim Irwin, who asked to court to deviate from the guidelines downward to a range where Mr. Figley was eligible for a Special Sex Offender Sentencing Alternative disposition. (SSOSA is a treatment based disposition with some time served in the county jail, and then released on conditions. This is available to some offenders who have no more than 11 years as a possible minimum sentence.)

At the hearing, Judge Neilson indicated that he had read the many letters submitted to the court on behalf of Mr. Figley and from the victims. He said he had also read the Sex Offender Evaluation which had been submitted as well as the Presentence Investigation report completed by Mr. Hurst. The court then listened to people speak on behalf of the victims and then from Mr. Irwin and several people on behalf of Mr. Figley. The court then heard from Mr. Figley. He expressed remorse about what he had done and he accepted responsibility for his actions.

At the conclusion of the hearing, Judge Nielson said that Mr. Figley was not eligible for a SSOSA disposition and he declined to make a downward departure from the guidelines. He sentenced Mr. Figley to 174 months to life. This is an indeterminate sentence, which means that at the conclusion of about 12 years in custody, (174 months minus 15%) Mr. Figley will appear before a review board and they will decide whether he can be released or not, depending on whether he represents a danger to the community. If he is released by the review board, he will serve 36 months of community custody. Registration as a sex offender is required.