Court hears appeal of child porn case sentence

DETROIT (AP) - An appeals court has heard arguments about a judge's refusal to send a Detroit-area man to prison for child pornography. It's the second time that the case of Rufus Robinson has been appealed by prosecutors. He pleaded guilty in 2009 and has twice been placed on probation with many restrictions by federal Judge Arthur Tarnow. The case was heard last Thursday. The government is urging the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn the sentence again. Prosecutors say even 10 years of probation is not sufficient punishment for Robinson. Tarnow says prison isn't appropriate for a man who has struggled with mental health problems. Defense lawyer Kim Stout says Robinson won't view child porn again. A decision is expected later. Published: Mon, Oct 06, 2014