Prosecutor: Jail unlikely for teens in "spanking" case

Prosecutor: Jail unlikely for teens in "spanking" case

Tracie Mashburn and her son, Corey, talk with KATU News in this file photo. Corey is one of two boys who face charges in a spanking case that has garnered national attention.

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Story Published: Jul 24, 2007 at 11:00 AM PDT

Story Updated: Jul 24, 2007 at 11:02 AM PDT

By Associated Press

McMINNVILLE, Ore. (AP) - Yamhill County prosecutors say jail or sex offender status is unlikely for two McMinnville middle-schoolers who spanked girls in the school hallway.

But District Attorney Brad Berry said his office considers the matter involving two 13-year-olds, Ryan Cornelison and Cory Mashburn, to be more than just horseplay.

Berry said his office has been swamped with calls and e-mails by people who say the initial ten counts of sex abuse and harassment was an overreaction.

The boys families said they were furious at what appeared to be backpedaling by Berry.

Tracie Mashburn asked why the family would be threatened with severe consequences if the state wasn't going to follow though.

Ryan's father, Joe Cornelison, said Berry is simply doing damage control.

Initially the boys had been charged with felony sex abuse and spent several days in detention. They also were temporarily suspended from school.

Family members said offers of help with legal expenses, which are causing strains on both families, are coming in from around the country and beyond. 

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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