The legal saga surrounding former American Idol contestant Benjamin Glaze reached a dramatic conclusion as a judge handed down a stiff sentence of 25 years in federal prison. The judgment comes after Glaze’s conviction on multiple counts related to child porn, marking a devastating end to the reality television hopeful’s public life.
Glaze, whose brief appearance on the singing competition show brought him initial notoriety, faced years in prison after a thorough investigation uncovered the illicit material. The prosecution successfully argued for a severe punishment, asserting that the nature of the offenses demanded a lengthy period of incarceration to protect the community and serve as a deterrent.
Glaze, who was just 19 when the pop-star judge gave him his first kiss in 2018, was sentenced to 25 years after admitting to being addicted to child porn, with a minimum of 15 years to be served behind bars, with the other 10 years suspended.
However, to get out after 15 years, he must accept an extreme list of conditions — including a penile plethysmograph test, in which a device measures blood flow to his private parts while he’s shown different kinds of content, according to court documents obtained by TMZ.
The courtroom proceedings were marked by emotional testimony and a firm stance from the bench regarding the severity of the crimes. The prosecution detailed the evidence that led to the conviction, noting the extensive nature of the illegal content found in Glaze’s possession. Consequently, the judge emphasized the profound damage caused by such exploitation.
A statement from the presiding judge during the sentencing underscored the court’s commitment to justice in cases involving vulnerable victims. “The evidence presented to this court demonstrates a fundamental betrayal of trust and an unconscionable act of exploitation,” the judge stated. “This court has a duty to protect the most innocent among us. Therefore, the sentence imposed reflects the gravity and heinous nature of these offenses.”
Glaze’s defense team argued for leniency, citing their client’s remorse and lack of a prior criminal record. Nonetheless, the severity of the charges—and the overwhelming evidence—proved insurmountable. The American Idol association, while irrelevant to the facts of the crime, served only to amplify the case’s public profile and the shocking nature of the allegations.
The 25-year prison term includes mandatory supervision upon release. The former contestant will also be required to register as a sex offender for life. Moreover, the court ordered Glaze to forfeit any electronic devices used in the commission of the crimes.
The now-27-year-old must also take an Abel Screening, a psychosexual evaluation that measures how long the pedophile’s eyes stay on images of children versus adults, TMZ reported.
Once released, Glaze is also banned from entering strip clubs, sex shops, massage parlors, or adult theaters. He is not permitted to look at pornography, call sex hotlines, or pick up hitchhikers.
The sentencing even dictates that Glaze must wear appropriate clothing — and underwear — at all times. Glaze must also submit regular blood samples to test for sexually transmitted diseases and register as a sex offender.
The path to this sentencing was protracted, involving lengthy discovery and numerous motions. Ultimately, the legal process reaffirmed the uncompromising legal stance against these crimes. Glaze is now scheduled to begin serving his sentence immediately, effectively ending his public career and transitioning him into a life behind bars.
EDITOR’S PICKS
Chris Evans leaked Honey Don’t jockstrap scene goes viral
Shein launches an investigation after Luigi Mangione appeared modeling a shirt
