Judge slams prison doors on sex couple

Published 6:00 am Friday, December 14, 2001

Mary Hebert collapsed as Judge Mike Smith pledged to send herand her husband Frank to prison for the “rest of their naturallives.”

“Please don’t send us to prison, and please forgive us for whatwe’ve done,” Mrs. Hebert pleaded Friday morning while awaitingsentencing on sexual battery, child exploitation and conspiracycharges.

Frank, 45, and Mary Hebert, 34, of 3889 Primitive Dr., Ruth,were sentenced today after pleading guilty Nov. 28 to multiplecharges involving sexual battery, child exploitation, fondling andconspiracy.

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“I’m going to take you off the streets for the rest of yournatural lives,” Smith said.

After Mrs. Hebert was picked up and placed in a chair, Smithsentenced Frank Hebert to a total of 93 years in prison on chargesin an 11-count indictment and a separate sexual battery indictmentagainst him. He was also ordered to pay a total of $310,000 infines.

Mrs. Hebert was sentenced to a total of 60 years in a four-countindictment against her. She was also ordered to pay a $100,000fine.

While the sentences on the individual counts were minimal, Smithordered them served consecutively, day-for-day, with no probationor parole and “no reduction whatsoever.” The judge said he was notgoing to let the Heberts back on the street to do what they did toother young people.

“I can’t have that on my conscience,” Smith said.

During the hearing, Frank Hebert said he was sorry and soughtforgiveness.

“We’ve turned to the Lord because we need Him,” Hebert said.

If that was not “jailhouse religion,” Smith said that would helpthe Heberts get through what they are facing. The judge alsosentenced the Heberts to get whatever psychiatric care is availablewhile they are in prison.

Prior to sentencing, Smith viewed evidence and spoke to victimsin his chambers. Following sentencing, a video tape and two compactdiscs were introduced into evidence and ordered sealed, not to beviewed by anyone without a court order.

District Attorney Danny Smith complimented Sheriff’s DepartmentInvestigator Steve Rushing, Assistant District Attorney Diane Jonesand officials from the Attorney General’s Office’s Cyber Crime Unitfor their work in the case.