A former Brigham Young University professor was sentenced to prison Friday for sexual abuse after several of his victims testified he had been abusing them for years.
Judge Cullen Y. Christensen sentenced Sheril Dale Burton, 56, Orem, to one to 15 years in prison on each of two counts of sexual abuse of a child, second-degree felonies, and up to five years in prison on each of two other abuse-related third-degree felonies. He also ordered Burton to pay $7,500 in fines and fees. Burton pleaded guilty to the charges June 14.Christensen's sentence in 4th District Court came after several of Burton's victims testified they are afraid Burton may continue the abuse and they don't want him free.
Burton's attorney, Gary Weight, told Christensen that he was only hearing one side and that many people support Burton. He asked Christensen to follow Adult Probation and Parole's recommendation for one year in the county jail with therapy release. He said the recommendation was made by professionals and is unbiased.
Christensen refused to follow the recommendation made by Adult Probation and Parole, saying the aggravating circumstances far outweigh the mitigating circumstances.
Burton has been teaching microbiology at BYU since 1967. Paul Richards, BYU's director of public relations, said last week Burton has not taught at the university since winter semester and has resigned.