COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — A Colorado judge presiding over a gang-rape case involving a 13-year-old victim has received threats, prompting the sheriff to assign him a guard.

The Colorado Springs Gazette reported Saturday the threats were in voicemails from people who were angry that two defendants got plea deals with no prison time.

Judge Michael McHenry didn't disclose the nature of the threats. He says he didn't listen to the recordings to preserve his neutrality.

McHenry ordered the men to serve 10 years to life on intensive probation for sex offenders. Prosecutors recommended the sentences, citing evidence problems that would made it difficult to get convictions.

McHenry says judges normally accept prosecutors' recommendations because they know the strength of their cases.

Prosecutors say the probation program includes limits on activity, polygraph tests and constant supervision.

___

Information from: The Gazette, http://www.gazette.com