Sarah Oden gets maximum penalty at sentencing

Sarah Oden was sentenced Wednesday by Bonneville Magistrate Judge Bruce Pickett, after he found Oden guilty of drug possession and aggravated battery.

Oden will serve a a fixed term of one year and four years indeterminate, resulting in a maximum sentence of five years. Oden will also serve a fixed term of two years and 13 years indeterminate for aggravated battery, totaling 15 years.

Oden was the driver during the kidnapping of Brandon Bykonen on Aug. 27, 2015. Bykonen was kidnapped and taken to a hill, where his pinky finger was chopped off by Devin Crawford one of five total suspects.

Crawford is scheduled to appear in court on May.25.

Bykonen was not in court today but county prosecutor Tanner Crowther read Bykonen’s impact statement in court.

” I cannot just shut the door to my past because of a constant reminder of my disfigured hands,” Crowther read.

Before the judge sentenced Oden he asked her if she had anything to say before he proceeded with her sentence. Oden apologized for her involvement in the crime.

“I am sorry for what I did and take full responsibility. I need help for my addiction,” Oden cried.

The two sentences will run concurrently. The judge recommended that Oden complete therapeutic community counseling for her drug addiction.

Oden’s presentencing evaluation discussed her previous juvenile history, which included petty theft and disturbing the peace. She also had an adult criminal history that included possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent to use.

Judge Pickett said her problems have come from drug use.

“I don’t believe drug use is a victimless crime. Drug paranoia and hallucinations contributed,” Pickett said.

Oden was also ordered to provide a DNA sample and a thumbprint to the state.

Oden has the right to appeal her sentencing. A restitution hearing will be scheduled.