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Jason Kurt Owens, 34, of Nederland
Pleading guilty to accusations of revenge porn, a 34-year-old Nederland man earned three years of probation that prevents him from possessing promiscuous photos and greatly restricts his computer usage.
Jason Kurt Owens, 34, appeared before Judge Raquel West June 14 to hear his sentencing for crimes he committed more than a year and a half ago in November 2019, including promotion of intimate material without consent and invasive visual recording. Based on the nature of his crimes, Owens could have been sentenced to no more than two years in prison, but accepted a plea agreement for three years of probation. Owens pleaded guilty to allegations aimed at him by an ex-girlfriend, specifically that Owens sent private, sexual images of the woman without her consent.
In an attempt to preserve his client’s right to own firearms, Owens’ attorney Kevin Laine told West he should be allowed reprieve because the criminal shoots guns with his son.
“I know, your honor, based on the circumstances of this offense. I do wish the court to know that he is a veteran, he does have a legitimate disease that is very painful,” he said before asking if West would exempt his client from the standard loss of rights to a firearm as a convicted felon. “He does use the firearm with his son; he also uses it for protection.”
Prosecutor Ashley Molfiino told West it was the state’s wish that Owens lose his right to firearms – at least until probation has had a chance to monitor his progress.
West sentenced Owens to three years of probation, with stipulations that include no contact with the victim and he not own any firearms – pending review of the court. West told Owens there would come a time when she’ll consider reinstating Owens’ right to own firearms, but only if he follows the orders of his bond. A further review of those orders reveals Owens is prevented from possessing promiscuous photographs.
“You are not allowed to possess any printed, photographed, computer-generated images; recordings; (or) any sexually stimulating or sexually oriented material,” West told Owens. “You are not to subscribe to any or use any online computer services or computer bulletin board systems, (and) you are not to use social media without advance permission from the probation department.”
Outside of business use, Owens is almost totally barred from using a computer – including smartphones. Additionally, a condition of his probation allows Owens’ probation officer to search his computer or cellphone “at any time” during his three-year sentence.
Pick up a copy of The Examiner June 17 for the full story.