According to WSET, the original guidelines for sentencing in the case included probation, but the judge went beyond the guidelines in light of how Guardia’s actions had negatively impacted Columna’s life.
Columna indicated that she felt validated by the sentencing.
“There’s a heavy burden lifted,” she said. “And I’m feeling good about the judge’s decision with sentencing because he went beyond the guidelines, and I love that he took into consideration that this is a pattern.”
She added, “I want survivors to know that there is hope, and what I did they can do too, and there’s people that will support them. And it’s important. Accountability is incredibly important.”
