Reason why a judge sentenced this criminal to 30,000 years in prison – he would be released in the year 31994

The longest sentence ever handed out in US history occurred back in 1994 when a man was sent to prison for 30,000 years.

That means that Charles Scott Robinson wouldn’t be released until the year 31994 – which feels somehow unlikely.

Charles Scott Robinson was sentenced to 30,000 years in prison

Obviously, no-one can serve a 30,000 year prison sentence, at least not without becoming the first person ever to live for several millennia.

But, the judge in this case had another reason for handing down such a lengthy sentence rather than simply ‘life without possibility of parole’ or even the death penalty.

When he sentenced Robinson, he was attempting to draw a direct line to the severity of his heinous crimes, and to show his unwillingness to sentence people to only the time they could physically serve alive.

Robinson had previous crimes to his name, nonviolent burglary, attempted burglary, concealing stolen property, and possession of a stolen vehicle.

However, the crimes he received this lengthy sentence for were much worse.

He was found guilty of raping children and for each of his six counts he was ordered to serve 5,000 years.

That’s 30,000 in total, as we’ve covered.

The judge wanted to set an example – and he definitely did

District Judge Dan Owens in Oklahoma City decided to order that the sentences be served consecutively as life without parole wasn’t an option for him.

Because of the crimes he committed – although heinous – the sentence of a lifetime behind bars wasn’t deemed legally appropriate.

So, he took a course of action that allowed him to ensure beyond any doubt that he’d never walk free again.

In sentencing, he explained his decision.

“By doing that, I think I can assure that you will spend the rest of your natural life in the confines of the Department of Corrections,” he told Robinson.

Robinson’s crimes definitely warranted such a sentence.

In fact, we won’t get too far into them here, just know that if anyone deserved a 30,000 year sentence, it was this guy.

While Robinson holds the record for longest prison sentence in US history, the most life sentences is held by Bobby Joe Long, who was a serial rapist and murder from Florida.

He confessed to murdering nine women – likely more, police believe – and raped around 50.

He was given a five-year term, four 99 year terms, and 28 life sentences.

It’s a lot, but not quite 30,000 years.