Man held in Calif. teen’s disappearance got light sentence in 2000 molestation case

Man held in Calif. teen case got light sentence

SAN DIEGO — Court documents say a sex offender suspected in the disappearance of Chelsea King served only five years in prison for molesting a girl a decade ago after prosecutors rejected a psychiatrist’s advice to seek a stiffer punishment.

Prosecutors said in 2000 that John Albert Gardner III’s lack of a significant prior criminal record justified less than the maximum sentence for molesting a 13-year-old girl.

The San Diego Union-Tribune reported Tuesday that Gardner faced a maximum of nearly 11 years in prison under terms of his plea agreement. Prosecutors urged six years.

Psychiatrist Matthew Carroll wrote at the time that Gardner took no responsibility and deserved a harsh sentence.

Gardner is now in custody and booked for investigation of murder as authorities search for the 17-year-old King, who disappeared Thursday.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Authorities have resumed the search for 17-year-old Chelsea King in Southern California.

King’s father, Brent King, told “The Early Show” on CBS Tuesday that he will keep hoping for her safe return.

The girl vanished after visiting a San Diego County running trail on Thursday.

More than 1,000 volunteers and law enforcement officials aided by an FBI dive team searched a lake and nearby park Monday.

Convicted sex offender John Gardner III is being held for investigation of her rape and murder. Charges have yet to be filed.