The BLOG: Voices

A letter to Brock Allen Turner, the convicted rapist who didn’t get off as easily as he thinks

Kyle S. Reyes | June 7, 2016

It’s a case that women from across the world have weighed in on. But as a husband, a father to a beautiful girl, and an employer of countless amazing women, it’s time to put in my two cents.

I – like many – believe in the rule of law. I believe in the right to a fair trial and everything that goes along with it.

I also believe that man is capable of corruption, of misguided decision-making and of being complete a idiot when it comes to setting standards.

And that brings us to the case of Brock Allen Turner. A rapist. Convicted unanimously by a jury of his peers.

In case you missed it, here’s the long and short of it.

The victim was found behind a dumpster. She learned – from news reports – that witnesses found her attacker lying on top of her unconscious, partly clothed body. The witnesses held the attacker until police arrived.

The judge, a fellow Stanford alumnus, could have handed the champion swimmer a 14-year sentence for the three felony counts of sexual assault. Instead he handed him a six-month sentence, pointing out that he had no “significant” prior offenses and that his life had been impacted by the media coverage. He also said “there is less moral culpability attached to the defendant, who is … intoxicated.”

Turner’s dad also had his back, stating that his son’s life had been destroyed for “20 minutes of action” fueled by alcohol and promiscuity. Father of the year right there.

It’s easy for us to get angry. Terribly, terribly angry. This is beyond disturbing and it sets a terrible, terrible standard about protecting victims of horrific crimes.

But we also need to understand that in everything from business to horrible stories like this – the market has a tendency to bring some sort of balance.

First, for the judge. A recall effort is already underway against him. Is this enough? Far from it. But I believe that the outcry against the judge will lead to some sort of justice. At the very least, it casts into the spotlight the need for accountability that will hopefully help prevent a repeat of a sentencing disaster like this.

Now for Mr. Brock Allen Turner.

I’m sure you’re in tears about the “horrible” sentence you face. After all, they don’t serve cosmos in jail and the showers probably won’t have the Hawaiian shampoo that daddy probably buys for you.

But I’ve got some news for you. Jail is going to be a walk in the park compared to what you’ll most likely experience when you get out.

You may have thought you could get away with what you did. That’s why you chose to do it in the dark behind a dumpster to a victim who you thought would never see your face.

But now EVERYONE has seen your face.

The very world that brought you countless pats on the back for your swimming accomplishments is the very world that’s going to destroy you.

Social media, my friend. It’s a bitch. And it’s going to make you its bitch.

The thing about social media and the internet is that unlike your jail boyfriend, it isn’t going to go away when you emerge into society again.

When you finally walk into the light of day, there will be a cloud over your head. For the rest of your life.

Everyone will know who you are and what you’ve done. When you apply to companies, hiring managers are going to Google your name, as they do with every prospective employee. Their spine will stiffen. They’ll get a pit in their stomach. Some of them will say a prayer for your victim. And then they’ll be on to the next resume. Yours will end up in the shredder, just like your future. And just like the security and peace of mind of your victim.

I’d imagine by now your personal Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat are already being overrun with former friends of yours attacking you. No doubt they’ll be sharing stories from your time together and talking about how they wish they had seen the “warning signs.” Your own safety, your own comfort, your own security, your inner-circle of support: VANISHED. Just like the pride of your victim who now faces a future with the scars of what you did to her.

It sure will make dating difficult when you get out of jail. Good luck having conversations with a woman over beers. Good luck taking a lady for a stroll in a vineyard. You will be rejected by women who know not to drink in your presence. As a matter of fact, they’ll never even give you the opportunity to even be in their presence.

You can try apps like Tinder. You might get a few swipes in your favor. Until, of course, the girl’s father or brother or best friend looks you up when they hear about the guy she met. Then it’ll get interesting. Because for every piece of trash like you, there are countless men who will do everything in their power to protect women.

The justice system dropped the ball, sir. But nothing escapes the court of public opinion. There are many people who, because of their faith or their personality, will forgive you for the horrible, disgusting thing you did. And there will be many people who will pray for you and your soul. You’d better hope there are a lot of them. You’re going to need every prayer you can get.

Because when you get out of jail, Mr. Turner, there’s a whole new world that’s waiting for you. Waiting to violate you. Waiting to take your security. Waiting to destroy you. But hey – most of the damage will already be done while you’re in jail. It’s sort of funny. Your time away will almost be like you were knocked out drunk. And when you awake, you’ll find that everything has changed – and it’s something you have to live with for the rest of your life.

And that’s why so many people will share this piece. Because THIS jury of your peers is just beginning the trial.

Kyle Reyes is President and CEO of The Silent Partner Marketing. He’s also an acclaimed keynote speaker on entrepreneurship, leadership, marketing and social media. You can find him on Facebook , LinkedIn and Snapchat @dasilentpartner. Read his past blogs here.