Utah judge sentences Paul Petersen to 1 to 15 years in final sentencing hearing Utah's Board of Pardons and Parole will ultimately determine how much time Petersen will serve. In all, Petersen will serve 11 to 15 years in prison. Author: Bianca Buono Updated: 5:19 PM MST April 21, 2021 PHOENIX — For the third and final time, former Maricopa County Assessor Paul Petersen was sentenced for running an illegal adoption scheme. On Wednesday, a Utah judge sentenced Petersen to 1 to 15 years behind bars. Ultimately, Utah's Board of Pardons and Parole will make the decision on how many years he will serve. Petersen was already sentenced to six years in federal prison by an Arkansas judge and five additional years by an Arizona judge. His Utah sentence will run concurrently, meaning in all, Petersen will serve between 11 and 15 years in prison.