50 YEARS!

That's the sentence that Judge Kapala dished out to disgraced McHenry County Sheriff's Department former Sgt. Greg Pyle. Fifty years. It might as well be Life. That'll be a life sentence for Pyle.

In a hearing in Rockford today that lasted about two hours, Judge Kapala hammered Pyle for his horrendous and despicable acts - sexual acts against a child. And, if you remember from State charges filed by the Illinois State Police in McHenry County prior to the Federal charges, those charges involved a family member.

Judge Kapala denied a motion to close the hearing and ruled that it would remain open, so those in the courtroom heard the statement by Pyle's former wife.

Why did Pyle get 50 years? Because his victims were children - his children. Because he produced pornography. Because he distributed it.

Enough about Pyle. He's going away for what will likely be the rest of his life.

But some local questions linger. At least, for me. Maybe for you, too.

Who were Pyle's closest buddies at the Sheriff's Department? Who was in the small clique with Pyle that made life difficult for some McHenry County residents? To what extent did they operate outside the law? Who has closely examined that clique and searched for embarrassing problems?

Pyle seemed to be a favored deputy by Sheriff Nygren. Why didn't Nygren get a whiff of what was going on? Maybe Nygren spent too much time in Wisconsin and Florida and too little time at 2200 N. Seminary Ave. in Woodstock. The Department spent a lot of money on Pyle, sending him to FBI schools. Did Pyle's deviant attitude and actions make its way into Department business?

Who among Pyle's buddies had a hunch about Pyle's deviant interests and failed to take action? Anyone? Was there not even one person at MCSD who suspected Pyle was into some bad stuff?

Pyle took a shot at ruining a number of lives. His sons. His wife. His parents. Neighbors. People who thought they were friends. Buddies at work.

The work now will be for those people to rebuild their lives. The right kind of therapy is critical. The Court heard that more therapy is needed. The problems are with availability and cost. It must be with the right therapists. There are resources available, if funds are short or non-existent.

There is to be a hearing on October 21, at which restitution will be discussed. With all due respect to the Court, what a joke that is. What restitution? From what sources?

Now I'll go and see what the Northwest Herald and the Chicago Tribune have to say.