Independent report says Ohio State doctor's sexual abuse of hundreds of students was an 'open secret'
Former Tennessee pastor sentenced to 12 years in prison for repeated rape of adopted daughter
© AFP / Jamie Sabau
An Ohio State University team doctor sexually abused at least 177 students over a period of 18 years, and senior figures at the school were aware of it, according to a report released on Friday.
Dr. Richard Strauss committed the offences during his tenure at the university from 1979 and 1997, sexually abusing male students who represented the school across at least 16 sports. His offences also took place during his work at the student health center and his clinic held away from the school.
The findings were learned by the law firm investigating the accusations levelled at the doctor, with details released by the university on Friday, according to a report by the Associated Press.
The law firm interviewed hundreds of former students and employees from the school, and discovered that Strauss's behavior was an "open secret" at the university, and said that the students believed other coaches and team doctors were also aware of Strauss's conduct.
The abusive examinations even became accepted by the students as being "hazed" or as going through "a rite of passage."
Ohio State President Michael Drake issued a statement as he released the report, offering: "profound regret and sincere apologies to each person who endured Strauss's abuse," and calling the situation a "fundamental failure" of the school.
Accusers had alleged that more than 20 school officials and staff members, including a former coach who is now a US congressman - Jim Jordan - were aware of concerns about the doctor's conduct, but failed to address it. Neither Jordan nor any other coaches were mentioned by name in the report.
The US Department of Education Office for Civil Rights is now investigating whether the university dealt with students' complaints "promptly and equitably."
Ohio State's employment documents show no record of any concerns about Strauss, who committed suicide in 2005, prior to his retirement in 1998.
Hayes Hickman, Knoxville News Sentinel
Amber Richards says she can move on with her life after a jury found David Lynn Richards guilty of nine felony counts, including her rape.
A former pastor convicted of repeatedly raping his adopted teenage daughter was handed an effective sentence of 12 years in prison Thursday by a Knox County judge, who weighed the severity of the crimes against an outpouring of support for the man from friends and family in court.
David Lynn Richards Jr. continued to maintain his innocence, as he had throughout his trial, while asking for leniency from Knox County Criminal Court Judge Steve Sword.
The Knoxville News Sentinel typically does not identify victims in sexual abuse cases, but Amber Richards chose to speak publicly after the February verdicts.
She sat on the opposite side of the courtroom Thursday, joined by a half-dozen others, including her biological parents, who she has reconnected with in recent years.
"I wanted to throw my body away," Amber Richards said as she delivered her victim impact statement Thursday.
"Not a day goes by that I don't, in some way, think of what he did to me. ... I firmly believe if given the opportunity, he would victimize another young girl."
David Lynn Richards wipes his eyes as he listens to his daughter on the witness stand during his sentencing hearing in Knox County Criminal Court on Thursday, May 9, 2019. (Photo: Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel )
David Richards took the stand in his own defense, painting his accuser as a defiant teenager who first made her allegations of sexual abuse amid his attempts to impose strict rules for his children.
Forensic testing, however, uncovered the presence of seminal fluid with a DNA profile matching that of David Richards on the girl's bed frame.
A Knox County jury found Richards guilty on nine felony counts, including rape, incest and sexual battery by an authority figure following three days of testimony in February.
Sword had wide latitude in his sentencing decision — most of the charges Richards was convicted of, including rape, are punishable by probation alone under state law. Only the charge of sexual battery by an authority figure requires a minimum of three years' mandatory incarceration.
That's really pathetic!
"I stand before you convicted of crimes I did not commit," said David Richards, 41. "I simply believe the system just erred in this case. "I'm not sure why I'm here. ... but I assume it's for His purpose."
Amber Richards hugs and thanks KCSO lead investigator Allen Merritt outside of Knox County Criminal Court on Monday, February 11, 2019. A jury found David Lynn Richards guilty of nine felony counts, including rape, incest and sexual battery. (Photo: Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel )
Prosecutors sought the maximum term of 72 years behind bars.
The judge acknowledged Richards' longtime ministry — he began a Bible study among his fellow inmates while jailed at the Knox County Detention Facility — and the support he still receives as mitigating factors.
More than 30 people sat on the defendant's side of the courtroom in a show of support, including David Thompson, who shared ministry duties with Richards at My Father's House Church of God in Lenoir City.
"I find it impossible for me to believe he's guilty of this," said Thompson, who echoed the call for leniency. "His business needs him. His family needs him. Our church needs him."
'His business needs him?' Is that a reference to his church?
I have seen this over and over on this blog. A pastor is proven guilty of sexually molesting children and half his church still stand behind him and against the victim(s). There is almost no discernment in western Evangelical churches where it should be thriving.
Sword, though, noted the time frame of the abuse, which began when Amber Richards was 14 and continued for nearly two years before she reported it to authorities, as well as David Richards' abuse of his position of trust as the girl's sole guardian.
Wait! He doesn't have a wife? And he is raising a girl on his own? Most pastors, those with any sense, don't allow themselves to be alone with female parishioners so as to avoid temptations. Yet, this one lives alone with a female and other children?
David Richards was joined Thursday by a new attorney, Stephen Ross Johnson, who signaled his intention to seek a new trial.
Arizona man arrested in sexual abuse and
death of 18-month-old girl
Nathan J. Fish, Arizona Republic death of 18-month-old girl
A Surprise man was arrested in Phoenix on Thursday in connection with the sexual abuse and death of an 18-month-old girl, court records show.
Parker called 911 when he found the child was not breathing. The child was transported to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead, records show.
Investigators observed bruising that was in various stages of healing, marks consistent with fresh blunt-force trauma and signs of past sexual abuse, records show.
According to court records, a pediatric trauma surgeon reviewed the medical records and autopsy report from the Maricopa County medical examiner, giving an opinion that the quantity and pattern of bruising was in excess of accidental trauma.
The autopsy photos and a microscopic report confirmed the injuries occurred near the time of death, records detail. According to Glendale police, Parker was the sole caregiver at the home with the child at the time of the incident.
Parker told police the bruising to the girl's head and abdomen were from accidental falls and denied causing the sexual abuse and trauma, records show. While Parker denied abuse, he told investigators he was alone with the victim for more than 11 hours and he admitted to holding the girl by the waist with both hands and squeezing in anger.
Parker also admitted he may have accidentally leaned on the girl's abdomen with his right elbow, causing trauma to the child's abdomen, records show.
Officials believe this degree of trauma indicates a pattern of "inflicted, nonaccidental injury," records detail.
Parker was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder, two counts of intentional child abuse, one count of child abuse due to negligence and one count of sexual conduct with a minor.
He was being held in a Maricopa County jail on a $1 million bond and is due in court May 22.
Sheriff’s office investigates claims of sexual abuse at Vermont summer camp
By TIM CAMERATO Valley News Staff Writer
FAIRLEE — The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has opened a criminal investigation into decades-old allegations of sexual abuse at Lanakila, a summer camp on Lake Morey.
Sheriff Bill Bohnyak confirmed on Friday that police are looking into allegations of misconduct brought to light by the Aloha Foundation early this year. The nonprofit oversees several camp programs in Fairlee, including the Lanakila camp for 8- to 14-year-old boys.
“There is an active investigation,” Bohnyak wrote in an email. “However, it is still active. Once that changes, we will provide a press release.”
The confirmation came after two former campers who say they were abused by counselors in the 1980s recently provided testimony to investigators. Both say they were contacted by the Orange County Special Investigations Unit in April and sat for a recorded interview with police.
“It seemed like they were really trying to go over my memories about what happened — sites, sounds, smells, anything I could remember,” said Lebanon resident Alden Hall, who spoke with investigators in Chelsea on April 23.
Hall, who is now a physician, says he was sexually abused by then-counselor John Hall — the two are not related — in 1981. A phone number listed for John Hall, who lives in Thetford, was disconnected this week and multiple emails requesting comment were not returned.
John Hall is one of three former counselors the Aloha Foundation identified as part of its two-year investigation of alleged sexual misconduct at Lanakila. That internal investigation, which was led by former New Hampshire Attorney General Michael Delaney, began in the fall of 2016 after a former staff member contacted the foundation and said it had failed to properly respond to an incident in the 1980s.
Delaney ultimately found 12 incidents of misconduct reported between the late 1970s and 1980s. The nonprofit said it also was told of an incident that took place in 1962, but declined to publicly disclose details because of “inconclusive information.”
The foundation said in a 2017 letter that John Hall inappropriately touched at least one camper in 1983, but was allowed to return to the camp “in a more restricted role” after completing treatment. He was ultimately fired in 1987 when another incident was reported, according to the letter.
While the Aloha Foundation ultimately apologized to campers and their families for failing to “receive a supportive, prompt, and immediate response” to reports of misconduct, law enforcement has declined until recently to investigate the allegations.
Bohnyak in February said his office wouldn’t be opening a case because “statute of limitations for an alleged crime is about 6 years.” On Friday, he said that judgment was a mistake.
In 2013, then-Gov. Peter Shumlin signed into law an expansion of the statute of limitations for certain crimes.
Prosecutors now have 40 years from the time a crime is committed to bring charges for lewd and lascivious conduct alleged to have been committed against a child under 18 years of age, sexual exploitation of a minor, lewd and lascivious conduct with a child and sexual exploitation of children, according to state law.
There is no statute for aggravated sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault of a child and sexual assault.
Orange County Detective Ben Herrick said it ultimately will be up to Orange County State’s Attorney William Porter to determine whether the statute of limitations applies to charges should police recommend them.
Porter said he was notified of the investigation but likely won’t learn of its findings until receiving a final report from police. At that point, he’ll work to determine whether charges can be brought. “It’s nothing that you figure out quickly,” Porter warned. Herrick said on Friday he isn’t sure how long the investigation will take to complete.
Christopher Overtree, executive director of the Aloha Foundation, said in an email on Thursday the nonprofit is “committed to supporting Vermont law enforcement on this matter.” The organization has not been informed or contacted as part of an active investigation, he added.
Alden Hall, the former camper, says he hopes charges ultimately will be brought against the former counselors identified in the Aloha Foundation as having abused campers.
“My hope is that something does happen, something that makes him recognize in sort of an ongoing way (the damage he caused),” he said of John Hall. “His victims have been affected in an ongoing way. It impacted me deeply and permanently.”
Former camper Timothy Light also would like to see law enforcement take action. Light, who is now a health care professional living in the Midwest, says he was abused in the early 1980s by then-counselor John Nimock.
The Aloha Foundation said it received several allegations that Nimock “took advantage of his status in the Lanakila community” to inappropriately touch children between 1977 and 1982.
Nimock, who could not be reached for comment, was then allowed to remain affiliated with the camp even after complaints were presented to Paul Pilcher, then-director of the camp and executive director of the Aloha Foundation, and Barnes Boffey, who was assistant director of Lanakila at the time. The two officials eventually fired Nimock in 1990 after receiving a letter about a 1980 incident, according to the nonprofit’s internal investigation.
Pilcher died in early 2018, and multiple attempts to reach Boffey after the Aloha Foundation detailed its findings in February were unsuccessful.
Light, the former camper, said he was contacted by investigators in mid-April. He was then visited by a detective from his home state last week. The detective asked about the alleged abuse, he said, and then told him a video of the interview and notes would be sent to law enforcement in Vermont.
“I just hope that this trickles down somehow to the people that were actively abusing. They’re still out there,” Light said. “Forty years is too long.”
Lake Morey, VT
Arizona woman accused of sex trafficking,
child abuse involving 11 y/o girl in Vegas
By: APLAS VEGAS (AP) — A woman arrested in Las Vegas faces child abuse and sex trafficking charges involving an 11-year-old girl.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that 40-year-old Gigi Mitchell appeared in court Friday following her arrest in March at a hotel where police saw her and the girl approaching men in the casino.
The arrest report says the girl wore a tight-fitting dress and black high heels and had condoms in her purse. It also says she acknowledged smoking and drinking with Mitchell in casinos and said she and Mitchell drove from Arizona in February.
The girl was turned over to Nevada child protective services.
Special Operations Pilot Faces Charges of
Raping a Child Under 12 Years Old
Raping a Child Under 12 Years Old
The Cadet Chapel and F-16 reflect on the tiles of The Terrazzo at the U.S. Air Force Academy on Oct. 31, 2018 after a few inches of snowfall blanketed the region overnight. (U.S. Air Force photo/Trevor Cokley)
A special operations pilot at the Air Force Academy is accused of rape, rape of a child and three counts of sexual abuse of a child, the school said Thursday.
Maj. Travis J. Burns will appear in military court Monday for an Article 32 hearing, which "is similar to a civilian grand jury proceeding," an academy news release says. "The primary role of the hearing is to determine if probable cause exists to support the charge and its specifications."
A preliminary hearing officer presides over the hearing and submits a report of the proceedings with recommendations to the special court-martial convening authority -- in this case, the commandant of cadets. The commandant will decide whether to dismiss the case, recommend that it be referred to a general court-martial or "dispose of the case through other disciplinary or administrative action," the release says.
The child involved in the alleged rape and repeated sexual abuses was under the age of 12, Burns' charge sheet shows. Those alleged crimes happened in 2017 and 2018 in Colorado Springs.
An earlier rape is alleged to have occurred in December 2013 near Clovis, New Mexico, and involved a woman.
Burns is assigned to Cadet Squadron 23 at the academy, military records show. His title is Chief of Plans and Programs.
Special operations airmen are tasked with "being mentally tougher, physically stronger, and ardently committed to serving our country and protecting our freedom," the Air Force's website says. "A job for the best of the best, this elite team of heroes goes where others won't because they are trained and ready to do what others can't."
No mention of self-control or decency.
Burns joined the Air Force on June 28, 2005. He has received awards including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Aerial Achievement Medal and the Joint Service Achievement Medal.
Perhaps the 'character' they are looking for in this program might be a little on the shallow side. IMHO.
Alabama man charged with child sex abuse
BY WHNT NEWS 19
Authorities arrested Larry Austin Reed in Scottsboro on May 18 after an investigation by the Alabama Department of Human Resources, Marshall County Child Advocacy Center, and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office.
Reed is being held in the Marshall County Jail on a $200,000 bond.
Maryland Pediatrician Indicted On Additional 65 Charges Including Child Sex Abuse, Assault
FREDERICK, Md. (WJZ) — A Frederick pediatrician was arrested Monday after he was indicted on an additional 65 charges, including child sex abuse and sexual assault. Dr. Ernesto Torres was already charged in the rape of a patient and the assaults of two other people, including an 11-year-old girl.
Eleven more victims came forward following the initial charges. A bond review will be scheduled for Tuesday in Frederick County Court.
Torres was charged on May 3 for the alleged rape of an 18-year-old patient in late April. He was arrested on May 7.
“The incident occurred in April, and the young lady reported it right away to her dad. Her dad contacted the Frederick Police Department, and they conducted the investigation,” said Charlie Smith, Frederick County States Attorney.
The 68-year-old doctor was charged with second-degree rape, second-degree assault, and fourth-degree sex offense in that incident.
Then two more victims came forward — one of them is an 11-year-old girl.
“The one case did involve an examination for a skin condition. And while examining the 11-year-old girl with regard to that skin condition, inappropriate conduct occurred,” Smith said.
Torres has been a licensed physician since 1979, specializing in pediatrics. He is the only doctor at his small practice.
In a May 8 court appearance, Judge Martz-Fisher set his bond in the amount of $100,000 secured with the conditions of home detention, no unsupervised contact with patients or minors, and surrender his passport.
” We believe based on the allegations that Dr. Torres poses a significant threat to the public, which is why we requested he be held without bond. To date, we have had 11 additional potential victims come forward. We will review each one independently of the other to determine whether they are sufficient to charge. We again encourage anyone with information regarding the case to contact authorities immediately,” State’s Attorney Charlie Smith stated.
The Frederick Police Department believe there could still be other victims in this case. Anyone with information about this case, including other potential victims should contact Detective Sean McKinney at 240-578-5683.
Man given max sentence in Ohio child porn case
by Brittany Grego, WTOV9
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio — Developments were made Monday morning regarding child pornography case of former fugitives Wesley Burdge and Tabitha Gallagher.
Belmont County Common Pleas Judge Frank Fregiato called this case “sickening,” as he sentenced Burdge to the maximum of 16 years in prison. Burdge must register as a Tier 2 sex offender for the next 25 years.
Burdge had a large amount of child pornography on a laptop and shared it online. He showed little emotion as the judge told all of this to the court.
"This court is absolutely sickened by the facts in this case,” Fregiato said. “This defendant shall not prey on any more Belmont County children or any children wherever they reside. Sex slavery is over for this defendant."
Belmont County Prosecutor Dan Fry is pleased with the sentence. His office, along with the Belmont County Sheriff's Office, put a lot of work into this case.
It all started when detectives showed up to arrest a roommate, John Garwon on a rape and child pornography charge.
"We did in fact have one video specifically that showed them setting up a video camera, you couldn't see anything beyond that, you couldn’t see who was in there talking, but that's what led us on to all of this," Fry said.
Fry says they found none of the videos originated in Belmont County, but he believes future sexual abuse of Burdge's children would have taken place, if not for the work of detectives.
"We did look for an extended period of time at the electronics taken out of the home to see if there was some evidence of sexual activity with minors, and at this point, we've been unable to prove that," Fry said.
And right after, Gallagher made a surprise guilty plea to an amended charge -- attempted obstructing justice.
She and Burdge prompted a nationwide search last year as they were on the run with their two children.
Gallagher is Burdge’s wife.
"When they took over back in 2018, she's the one that went with them to Washington, Pa., and the one that we believe paid for the hotel in Washington, Pa., prior to them being arrested," Fry said.
"BCI has looked at all of the electronic devices, and we haven't been able to identify anything beyond what we believe was there in the first place. At this point it's probably the end of it."
Fry says as of now, no more charges will be filed in this case.
Gallagher now faces sentencing.
Maine DA admonished for meeting with judge
in child sexual assault case
By Catherine Pegram, AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) The district attorney for Kennebec and Somerset Counties has been admonished for meeting with a judge to talk about a child sexual assault case.
Maloney was accused of violating rules of professional conduct.
In 2014, Maloney met with the superior court judge handling the case against Eric Bard, without the presence of Bard's lawyer.
The next year, Bard was sentenced to fifty years in prison for raping a 4-year-old girl.
The panel that reviewed the complaint against Maloney determined she met with the judge at his direction.
So, the obvious question is: is the judge also being admonished?
She tells TV5 she thought she was doing the right thing. But she now knows she should have said no to the judge.
Bard is still waiting for a new trial.
Oregon man sentenced to 10 years after pleading guilty to child sex abuse charges
FOX 12 StaffPORTLAND, OR (KPTV) - A 69-year-old Portland man was sentenced to prison Monday in connection with a child sex abuse investigation.
The district attorney's office said by pleading guilty, Stockert "admitted that he unlawfully and knowingly subjected a child under the age of 14 to sexual contact on multiple occasions between the years of 2012 and 2017."
The investigation began in December 2017 when the victim came forward about the abuse.
On Monday, Stockert was sentenced to 120 months in prison. He will also have to register as a sex offender and pay more than $2,500 in restitution.
That ought to get about 10 counselling sessions which will likely be just enough to open a can of worms and leave the victim to find a way to close it herself.
Texas church volunteer sentenced to 40 years in prison
for aggravated child sexual assault
MONTAGUE COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL) - After a more than two year investigation, one man pleaded guilty of aggravated sexual assault of a child and indecency of a child while volunteering at a Nocona church.
Texas Rangers said they were notified Hale was being inappropriate with children at a Nocona church in May 2017.
During the investigation, authorities discovered two juvenile male victims and an adult male victim who said Hale would molest them after youth church events.
3-y/o Georgia girl dies after sexual assault,
abuse, police say
By: Michelle Ewing, Cox Media GroupALBANY, Ga. -
A 3-year-old Georgia girl died Saturday after what police described as a heinous sexual assault and beating.
Janiyah was unresponsive when Albany police responded to her home one week ago. She had been severely beaten with injuries to her head, ribs and hands, according to police. She also had injuries to her vaginal area.
It wasn’t the first time Janiyah had been hurt, an investigation by the agency’s family protection unit and the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services found. An exam showed further evidence of old wounds, Albany police said in a news release.
Parker, 20, was arrested and charged with rape, aggravated child molestation, aggravated sodomy, aggravated battery and first-degree child cruelty, authorities said.
The girl's mother, 19-year-old Crystal Brooks, also faces charges of aggravated battery, battery, first-degree child cruelty and giving a false statement initially, police said.
Her parents called 911 around 7:30 a.m. May 13, but they did not disclose the nature of the problem with their daughter. Her stepfather, 20-year-old Gregory Parker, only told officers the girl was unconscious, police said.
Parker was arrested on Friday in connection with the assault. The next day, Janiyah died, WALB-TV reported.
Parker was initially arrested on charges of aggravated child molestation, rape, aggravated sodomy, aggravated battery and first-degree cruelty to children. Police have not said if additional charges will be filed in light of his stepdaughter’s death.
Louisiana man gets five years for possessing child pornography
Author: Dan Copp / The Houma Courier
HOUMA, La. — A 69-year-old Houma man was sentenced to five years in prison for receiving child pornography, federal prosecutors said.
Broussard was sentenced Tuesday in federal court, U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser said in a news release.
Court records show he pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography Sept. 11, 2018.
In addition to the jail time, U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey ordered Broussard to serve five years of supervised release and register as a sex offender, Strasser said.
According to court documents, agents with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Department of Homeland Security and State Police executed a search warrant on the defendant’s home on Jan. 23, 2018.
Authorities found Broussard in possession of a laptop and thumb drive containing images of prepubescent children engaged in sexual acts, authorities said. A forensic search of the defendant’s computer turned up more than 11,000 sexually graphic images and 85 child pornography videos.
In addition to federal and state agents, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation, authorities said.
Charges dropped against Indiana man accused
in child sex abuse case because of delay
By: Britney Taylor EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) - Charges are dropped against an Evansville man arrested in a child sexual abuse case.
Last week, the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor's Office asked for the case to be dismissed.
But later, according to court documents, the Deputy Prosecutor in charge of the case changed his mind.
Adams’ defense team argued his right to a speedy trial was violated because of the mistake.
A Vanderburgh County judge dropped the charges.
Adams was released from jail Friday.
OK, I need a Philadelphia lawyer to explain to me why this is not insane? Victims have absolutely no rights in the justice system. Some child's accused molester is walking around free. How do you think that child feels?
NY man indicted on child sex abuse of <5 y/o,
released on bail
Amanda Purcell Columbia-Greene MediaHUDSON — A Columbia County man accused of sexually abusing a child for several months was released Thursday after posting bail, court officials said Friday.
A person is guilty of second-degree course of sexual conduct against a child, over a period of time not less than three months in duration, if the person engages in two or more acts of sexual conduct with a child under 11 years old, according to state penal law.
The Hudson Police Department investigated the case. The alleged victim was younger than five years old at the time of the incident, Det. Sgt. Jason Finn said Friday.
Crumedy, speaking through his attorney, Cheryl Coleman of Albany, pleaded not guilty to all of the charges at the court appearance. Columbia County Judge Jonathan Nichols set a trial date of Oct. 28 for Crumedy.
Coleman made a motion for bail to be set at $30,000. A bail bondsman was in the courtroom ready to post bail on Crumedy’s behalf, his attorney told the court. A member of Crumedy’s family was in the court Thursday, Coleman said.
The Hudson Police Department is investigating the possibility that there may be more alleged victims, Finn said. Anyone with information is urged to call 518-828-3388 and ask to speak to a detective.
“I would mention that the prior felony history appears to be very remote in time,” Coleman said. “He is not a flight risk. He [Crumedy] is eager to participate in each and every stage of the process. He was very vocal in denying the charges from the very beginning.”
The abuse is alleged to have occurred as recently as 8 months ago and as far back as 7 years ago, Coleman said.
Assistant District Attorney Krista Kline opposed the defense’s bail application and made a motion for no bail. Kline told the court Crumedy has seven prior felony convictions, including a violent felony. Crumedy failed to appear in court on one occasion and his parole was revoked twice, she added.
In 2015, Crumedy was charged with allegedly having sexual contact with a 13-year-old and charged with second-degree sexual abuse, but he was convicted on the lesser charge of child endangerment.
“He is facing a substantial amount of time and he’s potentially a persistent felony offender,” Kline said.
Nichols set Crumedy’s bail at $50,000 and issued a stay-away order of protection on behalf of the alleged victim.
Second jury convicts Utah man of child sex abuse
By Amy MacavintaIdaho State Journal
A Logan, UT man who appealed his 2015 conviction on child sex abuse charges was found guilty for the second time at the conclusion of a new trial awarded him by the Utah Court of Appeals.
Williams filed an appeal and last year, the Utah Court of Appeals granted him a new trial based, in part, on the appellate court’s ruling that some of the language used during voir dire during the jury selection process in the original trial was prejudicial to his case.
The court’s ruling has since changed the manner in which attorneys across the state are allowed to question jurors regarding their backgrounds and potential biases during the jury selection process.
The new trial in Williams’ case started Monday afternoon with testimony from the first of three victims and concluded Thursday with his own testimony.
The young women each shared details surrounding numerous allegations of abuse that included showers with them, skinny dipping in the hot tub, checking private areas of their bodies for proper development, and more.
As in his first trial, Williams was steadfast in maintaining his innocence, but in just four hours, a jury returned the verdict of guilty on all 12 counts.
Cache County prosecutor Spencer Walsh said the jury got it right after a long, emotional week of testimony, and he hoped the victims could find peace following the latest verdict.
“They’ve had to testify now in court and be subject to cross-examination on three separate occasions over a five year span,” Walsh said. “It has been hard to have to have a second trial. It was a frustrating experience because we felt that the first trial was a just verdict and we felt like there there really was no error at that last trial.”
If there were no issues with the questioning of the victims in the first trial, why was it necessary to re-question them in the second. Why could a video of there testimony at the first trial not be used in the second?
Isn't it time victims were treated with as much respect as criminals?
Williams was immediately taken into custody.
According to Walsh, state law will not allow Williams to be sentenced to a term greater than he was given in his first trial, in which he was ordered to serve three consecutive terms of five years to life in prison, or a total of 15 years to life.
Therefore, Walsh said, he anticipates that his office will seek the same penalty at the upcoming June 17 sentencing date.
Alabama man in custody on $385k bond on
10 child sex abuse/sodomy charges
Posted By: Josh RayburnA Fort Payne man has been arrested on 10 charges related to the sexual abuse of a child.
Bynum said the investigation then prompted another first-degree sodomy charge and seven charges of sexual abuse of a child less than 12 years old.
He said the victims were known to Jokinen.
Jokinen remains in custody on a $385,000 bond. Bynum said the investigation continues and more charges could be coming.
Oklahoma police searching for man charged in
child sexual abuse case
BY KFOR-TV AND K. QUERRYTULSA, Okla. – Authorities in Tulsa are searching for a man who is accused of a horrendous crime.
According to FOX 23, the charges stem from a time when Cochran was staying with his girlfriend, her three young grandchildren and her 24-year-old daughter, who is mentally disabled.
Police say Cochran tased and threatened the 24-year-old with a gun. He is also accused of selling her for sex in exchange for drugs dozens of times.
The Tulsa World reports that a 6-year-old child testified that Cochran sexually abused her and another young girl at his home. One of the other children told the court that he could hear the sexual abuse occurring and was tased by Cochran.
According to online court records, Cochran’s trial for the charges was scheduled to begin on May 20 in Tulsa County District Court.
However, a judge issued a bench warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear for a scheduled court appearance last month.
Cochran is a white man, standing 5’7″ tall and weighing 135 pounds. He has brown hair and hazel eyes.
Police consider him dangerous and warn that you should not approach him if you see him. Anyone with information on his whereabouts should call CrimeStoppers at (918) 596-COPS.
Wisconsin man sentenced for child sexual assault
of 10 y/o girl
By Jesse Horne CLARK COUNTY, Wis. (WEAU) -- A Clark County Court Monday sentenced 24-year-old Roth Schneiter to four years in prison for second-degree sexual assault of a child.
Authorities say a 12-year-old girl told her guidance counselor about an incident with Schneiter. He admitted he touched the girl inappropriately.
Police say the assaults started in December 2016 when the girl was ten.
Schneiter pleaded guilty to charges in March.
After his prison time, he will also have six years of extended supervision.
Clark Co., WI
PA man charged with 34 counts of sexual abuse of children
BY KEITH SCHWEIGERT
ETTERS, York County — Police have charged a 67-year-old Fairview Township man with 34 counts of sexual abuse of children after an investigation into the alleged viewing of child pornography images launched in March by the National Center for Missing or Exploited Children, according to Fairview Township Police.
Bechtel was taken into custody on May 17 and arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Scott Gross. He was released on $25,000 bail and is awaiting a preliminary hearing.
So glad to see he is charged with child sex abuse, not just child pornography.
Fairview Twnshp, PA
Virginia man pleads to sexual abuse of child
in Michigan
By Lynn Moore | lmoore8@mlive.comMUSKEGON COUNTY, MI – A man extradited from Virginia to face child sexual abuse charges in Muskegon has entered a plea.
He was sentenced May 8 by Muskegon County Circuit Judge Timothy Hicks to between 15 months and 15 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections. He was given credit for 358 days already served.
Gombar originally was charged with first-degree CSC involving sexual penetration of a child under 13. That charge was dropped as a result of Gombar’s no-contest plea to the lesser charge.
A no-contest plea is not an admission of guilt but is treated as such at sentencing.
It was alleged that Gombar assaulted a female victim under age 13 between 2014 and 2016, according to Matt Roberts, chief trial attorney for the Muskegon County Prosecutor’s Office.
2 or 3 years of child sex assault and he could be out in a few weeks? Are you serious? How old is the child, 15, 16? Is there any reason she should have to worry about this creep for another 10 years?
Gombar was located in Virginia about a year ago, where he was in police custody on an assault charge, Roberts said earlier.
No comments:
Post a Comment