PALO ALTO, Calif., Sept. 2 (UPI) -- A former Stanford University student convicted of raping an unconscious woman was released from jail after serving three months, a sentence some criticized as too lenient.
Brock Turner left the Santa Clara County Jail alone about 6 a.m. Friday carrying a brown bag and jacket. He didn't speak with reporters or protesters and left in a waiting car.
Sheriff Laurie Smith, who oversees the county jails, said Turner received hate mail and death threats while in custody, but none were deemed credible. She said she stands behind a proposed state law that would mandate sentences for convicted rapists.
"Anybody charged with and convicted of rape ought to do time in state prison," Smith said.
In early June, Turner was sentenced to six months after being found guilty of three counts of felony assault. His sentence was reduced for good behavior. Turner, 21, will serve three years probation and must register as a sex offender for life.
Protesters who have rallied to have Judge Aaron Persky removed from office were on hand when Turner was released. Persky handed down Turner's sentence. Before Turner was released, Michele Dauber, who chairs a committee to recall the judge, said she will be outside the jail to protest.
"The message that Judge Persky sent, not just to Mr. Turner, but to all other potential perpetrators at Stanford and other colleges is, 'Don't worry. This isn't serious,'" Dauber said.
Turner is expected to return to Ohio, where his family lives.
