On Tuesday, Dec. 18, court was called into session in the Castle Dale District Court by Judge Brian D. Bolinder for the sentencing of Quinten Howard Drollinger. Drollinger, who had been arrested on charges of attempted child kidnapping – a second-degree felony – faced charges stemming from a May 10 incident where he tried to grab a sixth grader exiting the bathroom during a middle school track meet.
The environment in the courtroom was solemn as the attorneys from both sides and the victim’s family gathered for the sentencing. Speaking first was the prosecuting attorney Aaron Lancaster, who explained that due to the “significant” and “very serious” nature of the crime, as well as the continued mental harm that Drollinger’s actions caused the victim and her family, asked the Judge deviate from sentencing guidelines and give Drollinger prison time.
“Innocence has been taken away from them. And so that’s why the state believes that it’s appropriate to deviate upward on this recommendation and send the defendant to prison,” spoke Lancaster.
Arguing for the defendant, attorney Aaron Wise explained he “disagreed vehemently” with the recommendation for prison, adding that he was “shocked” by it and considered it inappropriate. He argued that Drollinger had already served more time than recommended, serving 222 days in the Emery County Jail.
Wise also explained how Drollinger had a “low level of competence” as well as a diagnosis of schizophrenia, facts which halted the court while Drollinger underwent a mental health evaluation.
The victim’s family also had the chance to share an impact statement with the court. The father of the victim relived the harrowing day of the attempted kidnapping,” During this, we got the phone call every parent dreads. Someone tried to take your daughter. You can imagine the adrenaline and fear that we felt as we tried to get to our daughter. Our sense of security has been shattered. We can go nowhere. Not without being reminded of the traumatic event that occurred, especially school functions.”
The father also went on to describe the event as,” a nightmare that doesn’t end.”
The victim’s statement added to this, reading,” Because of this, I started struggling with depression and anxiety. I don’t feel safe being in public by myself without pepper spray.”
Following arguments and closing statements, Judge Bolinder explained that in the case of sentencing, there were aggravating circumstances, with substantial psychological harm befalling the victim and her parents as a result of Drollinger’s actions. He also acknowledged that sentencing guidelines were in place so that all parties had some expectation of how the case could play out.
Ultimately, Drollinger was convicted of attempted child kidnapping, and sentenced to 1-15 years in the Utah State Prison. Drollinger was given credit for 222 days served but will serve 142 more in the Emery County Jail, adding up to a full year. In addition to this, Drollinger will face 48 months of probation, have to register on the Utah Sex and Kidnapper Offender Registry, undergo a mental health evaluation and pay $125 in restitution to the victim and her family. He is also trespassed from Emery High School for the duration of his probation.