Is 70 Years in Prison Long Enough for Michael Tays?

 

Some news accounts are referring to Michael Tays as a Florence resident; however, he actually lived in St. Florian, a small town to the north of Florence. This is where he repeatedly abused an eight year-old girl sexually, all the while videoing the criminal acts.

After some stills of the various crimes were found on his phone three years ago, the now 36 year-old porn producer was arrested. It has taken three years for his case to proceed through the system. Now he's been sentenced to 70 years on a Class A Felony.

While there will be no Correctional Incentive Time for Tays, there will be a chance for parole. At best, he will have no viable chance for release for 30 years, but this is still too soon. If Tays should live to be over 100, does he deserve freedom even then?

How free will his victim be having to live with the memories of his abuse? Some states mandate a life sentence for crimes involving the production of child pornography. It's a shame that Alabama isn't one of them.