A Denver judge on Friday sentenced former doctor Stephen Matthews to 158 years in prison for drugging 10 women he met on dating apps and then sexually abusing eight of them. The sentence, which amounts to life behind bars, was met with applause by Matthews' victims and their families.

“The evidence in this case is overwhelming,” Judge Eric Johnson said as he handed down the sentence, addressing Matthews directly.

“You have diminished this world,” the judge said.

A jury in August sentenced Matthews allegedly lured women to his west Denver townhouse during a date and then added an unknown substance to their drinks. He met the women on popular dating apps like Hinge and Tinder. Many of the women said it had only sporadic memories of what happened after they had drinks with Matthews. Some said they gained consciousness and found themselves naked in bed with Matthews, who had raped them.

21 people provide victim impact statements

“We are now a powerful army of survivors,” said one of his victims, “and you are nothing.”

She called Matthews a “narcissistic monster” and a “serial rapist.”

Before handing down the sentence, the judge listened to victim impact statements from 21 people – victims, their family members and supporters.

Many of the women said that after Matthews drugged them on dates between 2019 and 2023, he then tried to “gaslight” them to convince them that whatever happened was their fault indicates that they drank too much or were unable to hold down their alcohol.

“What you did is despicable,” said the mother of one victim. She described Matthew's actions as “appalling and cruel. They imposed life sentences on these women and their families.”

Many of the victims reported the long-term effects of Matthews' drug use and sexual abuse, saying they suffered from anxiety, depression, paranoia and physical problems.

“They drugged me and raped me and manipulated me into thinking it was my fault,” said one of his victims.

Many said Matthews had no remorse and took no responsibility for his actions and showed no consideration for the women he impacted.

The defense says an appeal is in the works

Matthews did not comment at the sentencing, but his attorney, Douglas Cohen, said that was because Matthews planned to appeal his conviction. He said Matthews was instructed “not to say anything.”

Cohen said he disagreed with the jury's verdict and placed some of the blame on the news media and law firms that labeled Matthews a sex offender. After the verdict, Cohen declined to comment further.

Stephen Matthews' parents are asking the judge for a lighter sentence

In court, Matthews' family asked the judge for a lighter sentence, saying he could be rehabilitated.

“I’m sad that so many lives have been affected and changed by this,” Matthew’s father said.

Marshall Matthews said: “I am not here to defend or belittle myself. “I’m not proud to be here,” said the father. He went on to say his son was an alcoholic who exhibited “narcissistic behavior.”

Matthews remained stoic throughout the 4.5-hour hearing, never looking at the victims and showing no emotion except as his mother testified. Her request to the judge not to throw away the key seemed to move her son to tears.

“I love you always and no matter what,” she said.

Judge tells victims: 'You were believed'

Prosecutor Victoria Kelley said in court she was sure there were “dozens or more” of victims.

In his closing remarks, Judge Eric Johnson addressed the victims directly in court.

“You were believed. That’s what the judgment says.”

He said he couldn't help them heal but said they should “live well, be happy and I wish you peace.”

Johnson then ordered Matthews to begin serving his sentence immediately.

After the verdict, Denver District Attorney Beth McCann said in a statement that Matthews' crimes were “despicable” and that she “hopes that today's verdict gives all of Mr. Matthews' victims their courage to come forward.” , provides a measure of comfort.” successful outcome.”