FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - A South Florida doctor convicted of molesting his family’s underage baby sitter has been sentenced to 51 months in prison.
According to officials, Dr. Augustine Bollo, a podiatrist, was sentenced, Monday, to 51 months — or a little over four years — in prison after he was convicted of one count of lewd and lascivious molestation.
In June of 2012, Bollo asked to be released on bond as he waited to be sentenced. However, a judge ruled against it.
On April 25, 2012, Bollo was at his Weston home with his family’s then 15-year-old baby sitter while his children were in another room. At one moment, he reportedly forced her to touch him sexually around his genitals. Prosecutors convinced the jury that Bollo gave the baby sitter cash in an attempt to keep her from reporting the incident.
The victim told the judge that the ordeal has changed her life. “It was inconceivable to me as a 15-year-old girl that a 45-year-old man could molest someone that they’ve known for several years with their own children in the room,” she said.
Bollo also took the stand. At one point, he turned to the victim’s mother and offered an apology.
“I truly regret all the circumstances that put myself here today, the burden has caused my family, friends and patients,” he said. “I realize that this is a very difficult time for you, as well as my own family. I truly hope and pray for internal peace for you and your family.”
The victim said that she had to relive the incident for the past four years.
“I felt humiliated and abused the night that this crime occurred, and I felt the same way every time I had to step into a courtroom,” she said. “I will always be more alert and less carefree. I can no longer hold a conversation with the adult male working the cash register without wondering what his intentions are behind his friendly conversation. I am lucky that I got through this trial, but that is only because I am lucky enough to have parents who instilled confidence and bravery in me. I hope you will continue to send this message by issuing a sentence that is at least double the amount of time I’ve had to wait for this to be finally over.”
Bollo’s defense attorney also made remarks at the sentencing. “Dr. Bollo has never, ever been accused of any crime prior to this incident. I plead with the Honorable Martin Bidwill to please sentence Dr. Bollo to probation.”
Bollo’s attorney has since filed an appeal.
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