Published October 23, 2008

"A difficult and heart-wrenching case," were the words of Judge Robert Glusman, and it is, for the Amit Tandon family.

Defendant Troy Hovey is not the victim here. He made the choice to drink and drive. The crash was caused solely by Hovey's actions. The sentence handed down by Glusman is unconscionable. Probation? For committing a felony and killing another human being?

Glusman patronizes the Tandon family and this community with his comments about finding the widow's statements "moving and eloquent" and saying, "My heart goes out to her." He didn't take into account that Deepika Tandon will relive the death of her husband, Amit, every day and that a non-sentence for her loss is tantamount to victimizing her forever.

Glusman was moved by the tragedy, but obviously, not enough to do his job. It does not matter that Hovey rarely drank which is difficult to believe since he has a drinking problem. It does not matter that Hovey has no prior criminal record. It does not matter that Hovey has a desire to overcome his drinking problem and "embrace recovery" as Glusman states and compounds his insult to the family with, "I know this won't happen again."

What Glusman believes about Hovey's future activity is remarkable since most drunken drivers are repeat offenders. This judge has overlooked the real victims in this crime: Tandon and his family. This sentence sends one message: No problem if you drink, drive and kill someone ... just don't do it again.

— Candy Priano, Chico