Former Idaho Zoo Keeper Sentenced for Sex Crime

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP) — A former southeast Idaho zookeeper who sexually abused a young zoo volunteer has been sentenced to 20 years in prison but with a rider program that means he could serve much less time.

The Post Register in Idaho Falls reports (http://www.postregister.com/node/75302) that 56-year-old Raymond Probert received the sentence Thursday in 7th District Court.

Probert, a former Tautphaus Park Zoo animal keeper, pleaded guilty in November to sexual battery of a minor 16 or 17 years old.

The rider program means Probert will take part in an intensive treatment program that lasts 90 days to a year at a minimum security prison.

If Probert successfully completes the program, a judge might allow him to serve the remainder of the sentence on probation.

Probert will have to register as a sex offender.