Archer man found guilty of molesting boys sentenced to prison
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REXBURG — Archer native Brandon Briggs, 36, was sentenced this afternoon on ten charges relating to sexual abuse of a child.
District Judge Alan Stephens sentenced Briggs 18 to 48 years in prison on charges of lewd conduct with a minor under 16, sexual abuse to a minor under 16 and enticing a child through the internet. Briggs charges cover two cases which were tried simultaneously. The sentence covers all counts.
Briggs was ordered to pay a $1000 fine for all charges relating to lewd conduct with a minor and $5,000 to each victim plus court costs.
In December, a jury found Briggs guilty of repeatedly molesting three teen boys and requesting nude photos over the Internet.
Jim Archibald, Briggs’ attorney, recommended probation or a rider along with counseling for Briggs. A rider is a 90-day to one year rehabilitation program held in a minimum security prison.
Madison County prosecutor Sid Brown recommended a prison sentence of 25 years to life.
Mothers of the two teenage victims gave impact statements before Stephens handed down his sentence.
One mother said she was “deeply burdened” by Briggs not wanting to take responsibility for his actions. She said because of the abuse, she has had to help her son through emotional hardships.
“There is no rehabilitation for people like this in my opinion,” she said.
She asked Stephens to sentence Briggs to life in prison with no parole.
The second mother sobbed as she took the stand and looked at Briggs seated at the defendant’s table.
“The total amount of damage done to my boys is undetermined… he will do it again, and again, and again if given the chance,” she said. “You have caused my family pain, and you know what you did.”
Brown said Briggs is consistently denying the incidents and frequently turned blame on the kids.
“This man is sexually attracted to young men… We suggest he’s highly likely to reoffend,” Brown said.
Briggs spoke briefly during the hearing – saying what he had done was wrong and he only tried to help the victims.
“I take full accountability … I’ve lost my dignity,” Briggs said. “I’ve lost everything important in my life.”
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