He said the aggravating factors outweighed the mitigating factors.

Broitzman’s lawyer, Larry Maus of Austin, said Broitzman’s conduct — including rubbing, pinching, poking and squirting water at residents who mostly suffered from dementia — was inexcusable.

However, he said the conduct was not designed to physically injure or harm the residents.

Maus said it was the result of “frustration, immaturity, boredom and having nothing better to do, apparently,” but that does not justify it. Stress, peer pressure and a lack of proper education and training may have also played into it.

“What they were was terribly, terribly stupid and inappropriate to do what they did,” Maus said, noting that the residents did not deserve to receive the treatment they did.

He noted he agreed with many parts of the pre-sentence investigation, conducted by Andrea Strom, which stated that Broitzman has been remorseful.

He said his client is not taking responsibility for the crime because she was caught but instead she is doing so because of the pain she inflicted. He noted Broitzman has been ostracized in the community and has had a negative label attached to herself. She also struggles with her own guilt.

“My client will never forget what she has done,” Maus said.

After the sentencing, Maus said he thought the sentencing was a fair resolution for some “terrible mistakes.”

Now the families can begin to heal.

Freeborn County Attorney Craig Nelson said he also thought the sentencing was appropriate, noting that Schwab took a lot of time to consider the proper sentence.

Nelson said he trusts there will be appropriate sentences in Larson’s case as well.

He also talked about how he hopes the Legislature can reconsider the potential charges and consequences tied to abuse of vulnerable adults.

Look for an upcoming story about reaction from the family members of the victims.

Check back to www.austindailyherald.com as this story continues to develop, and follow the Albert Lea Tribune’s Twitter updates from the courtroom by clicking here.