[PunkyBoo]

I was recently the victim of a burglary. The person who did this to me is in jail, and I have had a huge mix of emotions about it. No one in my life seems to understand this. long story short, I set this man up to be caught and he is facing several felony charges and a lot of jail time.
The problem is, I feel terribly guilty for doing this to him. I don't want him to go to prison. I feel very sorry for him. Is this a normal reaction to being the victim of a crime like this?
It is a very long story, but he was someone that worked on my house and I got to know him somewhat. He is a Meth addict among other drugs. Why do I feel bad for him? I don't even want him to have to serve time in prison. I think he would be better off to receive drug treatment.
Keep in mind, this incident will be after he had already had 6 other felony convictions in his past, and some of them not so nice.

[sarahsweets]

You sound like an empathetic person so it makes sense that you would feel badly but you cant let your empathy prevent you from justice. What if he does this to other people?

you did not do the crime. chances are if he is a meth addict you are not his only victim. chances are if he is released he will violate again. you did what was right. now that he is in custody, he WILL receive treatment for his addiction. maybe not the same treatment as in a rehab facility, but he will also serve out the time he needs to do for the crimes he committed as well. double purpose.

he committed crimes. you said "felony charges." more then one. that issue needs to be addressed. 6 other felony charges..some not so nice. he needs jail.

it's normal to thin k maybe he could be saved, but given what seems his track record, just rehab is not going to do it. you did what was right. chances are once things get settled you won't hear from this loser ever again, until maybe he gets released and needs someplace to crash & then I hope you kick his sorry butt to the curb. he needs to be gone. sorry.

[hvert]

What do you mean you set him up?

[MickeyCheeky]

I understand your compassion, @PunkyBoo, but you're doing NOTHING wrong by sending him to prison!! I COMPLETELY AGREE WITH WHAT ALL the other WISE AND WONDERFUL POSTERS HAVE ALREADY WISELY AND WONDERFULLY SAID BETTER THAN I EVER COULD!!He's the one who commited the crimes, not you! I do feel like it's your duty as a citizen to report him to the Law and make them send him to prison! He may attack other people and that would be HORRIBLE! So please, be kind to yourself!Please do keep fighting and do keep rocking AS MUCH AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN LIKE YOU'RE ALREADY WONDERFULLY DOING ALL AND ENTIRELY BY YOURSELF AND ALL AND ENTIRELY ON YOUR OWN! KEEP FIGHTING AND KEEP ROCKING! You're doing the right thing, trust me when I say that! Feel free to PM me ANYTIME when you need advice and support! I am SURE PLENTY OF OTHERS WILL ALSO GLADLY HELP YOU OUT AS WELL IF YOU JUST ASK FOR HELP! Sending many safe, warm hugs to BOTH you, @PunkyBoo, your Family, your Friends and ALL of your Loved Ones!! Please do keep fighting and do keep rocking AS MUCH AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN LIKE YOU'RE ALREADY WONDERFULLY DOING ALL AND ENTIRELY BY YOURSELF AND ALL AND ENTIRELY ON YOUR OWN! PLEASE DO KEEP FIGHTING AND PLEASE DO KEEP ROCKING!!

[dlantern]

Prosecute him to fullest of the law. Then find forgiveness in your heart that is best thing you can do for your peace and sanity.