Man Sentenced To 38 Years For Sexual Abuse
Of Children in Texas
By Tony Cantu, Patch Staff
AUSTIN, TX — A Travis County jury sentenced a local man to nearly 40 years in prison on Friday afternoon on charges of sexually abusing two children.
Ivan Hernandez Ramirez, 35, was sentenced to 38 years incarceration, and won't be eligible for parole until he serves the entire sentence, according to the Travis County District Attorney's Office. On Thursday, the same jury found the defendant guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child and Indecency with a Child by Contact, sentencing him to 20 years for the latter charge.
These offenses involved two victims, who were 8 and 9 years of age at the time of the offenses, law enforcement officials said in a press advisory. The abuse occurred over the course of 2013-2016, and were reported to Pflugerville Police Department after an outcry from one one of the victims, the DA said. Additionally, the victims' mother was charged with failure to report the abuse.
Assistant District Attorneys J.D. Castro and Michelle Halle prosecuted the case. Following the trial, Castro said: "These young women demonstrated incredible courage and strength throughout the duration of the trial. They felt genuine relief when the verdict was read."
NY gymnastics coach faces prison
on child sex abuse plea
Steve Lieberman, Rockland/Westchester Journal
A Suffern-based gymnastics coach accused of sexually abusing multiple young girls has pleaded guilty to one count of abuse and faces a four-year prison sentence.
Joseph Lewin, 68, a Port Chester resident, pleaded guilty to one felony count of second-degree course of sexual conduct against a child Thursday before County Court Judge David Zuckerman in the County Courthouse in New City.
Lewin's plea covers the eight-count grand jury indictment accusing him of illegal sexual contact with at least seven girls under age 13 who were students at his gyms in Suffern and Hillburn from 2007 to 2014. The facilities have since closed.
Joseph Lewin leaves the Rockland County Courthouse during his arraignment on multiple charges
involving the sexual abuse of children he coached in tumbling and gymnastics on July 31, 2018.
(Photo: File photo by The Journal News)
"As a youth coach, this defendant held a position of power over his students," acting Rockland District Attorney Kevin Gilleece said in a statement. "He abused their trust and took advantage of his vulnerable victims."
Gilleece said Lewin waived his right to appeal and "will now be held accountable for the terrible crimes he committed. Such predatory conduct cannot go unpunished."
He will go to State Prison where he belongs.”
Lewin's attorney, David Goldstein of Chestnut Ridge, said Friday that Lewin will likely serve two years and 10 months of the potential sentence for what Goldstein called a non-violent crime.
Goldstein and co-counsel Stacy Richman of the Bronx negotiated with the Rockland District Attorney's Office. Supervising Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Parietti prosecuted for the office's Special Victims Unit.
"He had to make a decision as he faced 56 years in jail," Goldstein said. "Based on the offer we were able to get for him, he spoke to his family and decided to take the offer and resolve all matters."
No kidding! 2 years and 10 months or 56 years. That's a pretty easy decision. The problem is, he will be back on the streets while the children he abused are still children. How fair is that? What a Mickey Mouse plea deal!
Lewin, a Port Chester resident also known as Joseph Lewandoski, remains free on $10,000 bail for his sentencing on Sept. 9. The plea agreement includes five years post release supervision and registering as a sex offender under New York state's Megan's Law.
The police investigation started after one person spoke to investigators in March about Lewin, Detective Lt. Michael Colbath said in May 2018 during a news conference on the arrest.
Davenport, Ill man sentenced to up to 50 years for
child sex abuse
Quad City Times
A Davenport man convicted of sexually abusing two children between 2006 and 2009 was sentenced Thursday to up to 50 years in prison.
On May 26, 2016, Davenport police launched an investigation after a complaint was filed with the Department of Human Services.
Police alleged Francisco Murillo Cardona III, 42, sexually abused the children, who were under the age of 12, on numerous occasions during the four-year span.
A warrant was issued in June 2016. He was arrested and made his first appearance on the charges in September 2018.
A Scott County jury on May 1 convicted him of two counts of second-degree sexual abuse, a Class B felony, after a three-day trial.
He already is serving time in a drug case.
Once he completes his prison sentence on the sex abuse charges, Cardona will serve a special lifetime sentence similar to parole. He also must register as a sex offender.
Man accused of sex acts with child in Rock Island Co., Ill
ANTHONY WATT
Quad City Times
Rock Island County authorities have charged a man with multiple counts on accusations that he performed sex acts with a child and possessed child pornography.
Juan A. Hernandez, 44, Rock Island, faces 11 charges comprised of child pornography, criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse, according to Rock Island County court records. The charges are related to acts Hernandez is accused of performing in May and June 2019, and also in 2017.
Hernandez, who is in custody, made his first appearance on June 12, and his preliminary hearing is set for June 25.
At the June 25 hearing, the Rock Island County State's Attorney's Office is expected to present an outline of the case that has been built against Hernandez so that a judge can decide whether that case is strong enough to continue.
Hernandez, through his defense attorney, will have the opportunity to challenge the evidence. He can also choose to waive the hearing, meaning the case continues without the judge's review. Defendants who choose to do this maintain the presumption of innocence.
Hernandez was being held on $350,000 bail, according to court records. To be released he would have to post a $35,000 bond.
The case was investigated by the Rock Island Police Department, court records state. Police reports state Hernandez was arrested June 11.
Anyone concerned that a child may be being exploited can contact the authorities anonymously online.
Utah judge, prosecutor lament plea agreement
in ‘problematic’ child sex abuse case
Personally, I lament most plea deals in child sex abuse cases
And this is exactly the reason why
And this is exactly the reason why
By Cody Blowers, St. George News
ST. GEORGE — A LaVerkin man accused of sexually assaulting a teenager multiple times over the course of eight years was sentenced Wednesday in a case plagued with complications.
Andrew Beagely Dockstader, 38, was sentenced in 5th District Court after pleading guilty to two second-degree felony counts of forcible sex abuse.
The case stems from an investigation that began in December when police were called on a report that a 17-year-old had been sexually assaulted by Dockstader numerous times in various locations in LaVerkin, Hurricane and Arizona. The abuse stopped only after it was disclosed to a family member and friend.
Under the plea agreement, a dozen felony charges were dismissed: four first-degree felony counts of object rape; three counts of rape; and one count of forcible sodomy. Also dismissed were four second-degree felony counts of forcible sex abuse, according to charging documents filed in December.
In Wednesday’s hearing, 5th District Judge G. Michael Westfall sentenced Dockstader to one to 15 years in prison on each count as well as a $10,000 fine – a sentence that was stayed. Instead, Dockstader was ordered to serve 280 days in jail and placed on 48 months probation in addition to the standard sentencing requirements and restrictions that apply to sex offenders. He is also required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
280 days! You can't be serious! Someone should lose his job for this. How fair is that to our victim? Or to the next victim? This is criminal!
NH man accused of child sexual assault turns himself in
to North Carolina authorities
to North Carolina authorities
WMUR
Andy Hershberger
WAXHAW, N.C. —
A man accused of sexually assaulting a child in Londonderry is in custody after he turned himself in to police in North Carolina.
Dewey Wambsganss, 59, turned himself in Friday morning at the Waxhaw, North Carolina, Police Department.
"After they confirmed the warrant was active and extraditable, they immediately took him into custody, and he's currently going through a booking process down there right now," Londonderry Capt. Patrick Cheetham said.
Police said they believe publicity about the case and the many media reports with Wambsganss' description, including the type of vehicle he was driving, played a large part in his decision to turn himself in.
Wambsganss is accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl. He has been charged with five counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault and one count of false imprisonment.
Police said the assaults happened within the past 72 hours, and their investigation began after the girl alerted her parents. For the past 18 months, Wambsganss was working as a school bus driver.
"There's no indication that him being a school bus driver and the assaults that we're alleging have any connection to his profession in any way, shape or form," Cheetham said.
School superintendent Scott Laliberte said Wambsganss was a substitute driver, meaning he had irregular hours and no set route, and they are working closely with police.
"We're sort of deferring to (Police) Chief (William) Hart and his staff and following their lead," Laliberte said. "We told them, obviously, we're more than willing to do whatever we need to do to make sure that our students are safe and our parents are aware of what's going on."
Police said they don't believe there are any other victims, but any parent who's concerned that their child might have had inappropriate contact with Wambsganss should call police.
There is no word on when Wambsganss will return to New Hampshire to face charges.
Washington City, UT, man wanted for allegedly
sexually abusing 4-year-old child
Written by Cody BlowersSt. George News
ST. GEORGE — A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a Washington City man who is accused of sexually abusing a 4-year-old girl.
The charges were filed after a woman went to the Washington City Police Department in early May to report the alleged sex offense involving Roberts and the child.
The woman told police that she became aware of the alleged abuse when the child kept grabbing the woman’s hand and placing it near her crotch area. When the woman questioned the child about her behavior, she told her Roberts touched her in that area.
The child then described incidents of sexual abuse, according to the affidavit filed in support of the warrant. The woman contacted police right away, and a forensic interview was conducted with the child. Shortly thereafter, investigators arranged to interview Roberts at the police station.
During the interview with Roberts, police say he denied the allegations and told officers he never touched the child inappropriately, explaining that arthritis would have prevented him from doing so.
He also told police he would be willing to take a polygraph, according to the affidavit, but when he was advised that the test was scheduled, he refused to come in, telling police he wanted to consult with an attorney first.
After the investigation, police submitted a probable cause statement to the court for review, and Roberts was subsequently charged.
This is Roberts’ second recent brush with the law. He was charged with a second-degree felony early last year after allegedly purchasing a Cadillac from a dealership with a bad check in the amount of $56,200. He pleaded guilty to the charge and was later arrested when he failed to appear for sentencing. The case is still pending in the courts.
This report is based on statements from police and may not contain the full scope of findings. Persons arrested or charged are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law or as otherwise decided by a trier-of-fact.
Bethpage, LI, teacher accused of sex abuse
'no longer employed,' district says
By Robert Brodsky
robert.brodsky@newsday.com
The Bethpage school district announced Saturday that a teacher who is accused of engaging in sexual contact with a juvenile female student, has been fired.
The school was notified of a possible incident and contacted police, authorities said.
Gallagher was arrested Wednesday without incident by detectives from Nassau's Special Victims Squad.
"The staff member is no longer employed by the district. The health and safety of our students and staff is always our top priority," district officials said in a statement Saturday. "We immediately reported the incident to the local authorities and have been fully cooperating with them regarding this issue."
Gallagher was arraigned Wednesday at First District Court, Hempstead and held on $7,500 cash or $15,000 bond. District Court Judge Scott Siller also ordered Gallagher to stay away from the victim, court records show. Gallagher is due back in court July 12.
Bruce Barket of Garden City, Gallagher's attorney, said his client is married, with a young child.
"He's a good young man from a good family," Barket said Friday night. "We will vigorously defend the allegations in court."
Sure!
Man gets 52 years in fed prison in Willistown, PA,
child sex case
By Michael P. Rellahan Daily Local News
PHILADELPHIA —A Montgomery County man who masqueraded as a teenager to lure a young girl into an illicit sexual relationship with him and a member of a prominent Main Line family has been sentenced to more than 50 years in federal prison on charges that included the manufacture and distribution of child pornography.
The sentence of 52 years behind bars handed down Friday for John Christopher Brown by U.S. District Judge Gene E.K. Pratter was far less than the lifetime prison term sought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for his offenses for the “perverted and cruel scheme” he undertook, and about half that given to his co-defendant, Lawrence W. “Larry” Jamieson Jr. last year.
In addition to the victim in this case, who is now an adult, the investigation into Brown’s activities revealed he also had a sexual relationship with two other minor girls and had been making plans to meet up with the father of an 11-year old girl so that they could abuse that child together, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. He was not sentenced on those allegations, however.
The illicit triangle — which included instances of Brown filming sex acts with the girl and sharing them with Jamieson, and of Brown directing the girl to have sex with Jamieson, at the older man’s insistence — was uncovered in 2016 by Willistown Detective Steven Jones, who had been alerted to the matter by the girl’s mother. Jamieson, 60, and the girl lived in that township.
On Friday, Willistown Police Chief John Narcise praised the work of investigators who brought charges against Brown and Jamieson, at both the federal and state levels.
“This is an example of how a well-investigated case can bring the appropriate level of justice,” the chief said in a statement. “The Willistown Police Department and FBI share a great working relationship and I commend the agents and our detectives for their professionalism.”
But, Narcise said, the case was not simply about good police work. “Let’s not lose focus on the victims of these types of crimes and the pain they experience,” he said. “I am glad in this case justice was served.”
2nd man gets 100 years in prison
As she did in Jamieson’s sentencing last September to 100 years in prison, the victim in the case presented a statement to the court on the impact the pair’s duplicity and sexual abuse has had on her life.
“His stories broke my heart and made me want to help him,” said the victim, now a 20-year-old. “I wanted to help him get away from that situation, because I could relate with feeling scared of my dad and feeling overwhelmed and stuck. I thought our similar experiences made us soulmates. I thought that John could really understand me, believe me, and protect me as we built a life together.”
She told the judge how finding out Brown was manipulating her and conspiring with Jamieson had wrecked her world.
“Imagine one night finding out that everything you had ever been told was a lie, your entire world crashing down and breaking your heart into a thousand pieces that are beyond repair,“ she wrote. “ How am I supposed to trust anyone after being lied to and betrayed so badly?”
Finally, she noted that the sexual situations that Brown had directed her to engage in and which he filmed were now part of the shadow world of child pornography. He shared them not only with Jamieson, the prosecution alleged, but on the internet.
“For the rest of my life I will know that strangers are watching me being sexually victimized and getting sexual satisfaction from my trauma,” she wrote. “Even if I start to heal from the sexual trauma, I will forever be haunted by knowing that he bragged about abusing me and distributed it for the world to see.”
Jamieson was a self-employed private contractor and a member of a well-known and respected Main Line family.
Jamieson had met Brown, a blue collar worker who was employed at a tire store in Norristown when he was arrested, through his contracting business. He used the then-23-year-old to first lure the girl into the sexual relationship and then to begin sharing the images and videos he shot of the two. Finally, Jamieson himself began having sex with the girl at his Willistown home and at an apartment he kept in Conshohocken. When police arrested Jamieson in August 2016, they found a massive collection of child pornography in his home.
Henson and Rotella described in their pre-sentencing memo the lengths Brown had gone to in seducing the young girl.
“To convince her that he was really 17 years old and a senior in high school Brown changed his appearance by cutting his hair and shaving his face,” they wrote. “He lied and told her that he attended cyber-school, just like she did, to establish even greater trust with this child.”
The investigation revealed that in addition to his abuse of the victim, Brown was also well immersed in the online world of child pornography, and that he traded and collected child pornography with others for years over the Internet.”
Brown pleaded guilty to charges that included distribution and manufacture of child pornography, enticement of a minor to engage in sexually illicit conduct and transfer of obscene material. He tried to withdraw that plea, however, after firing his attorney, Diane Tosta of Montgomery County, who he claimed told him she had an agreement in place with the U.S. Attorney’s Office that he would be sentenced to only 20 to 25 years in prison.
Pratter ruled that no such agreement existed, and that during his plea hearing he was repeatedly warned that he faced a possible life sentence, according to federal guidelines.
Brown’s sentencing hearing was spread across two days in the U.S. District Courthouse in Philadelphia, as his new attorney, Elizabeth Toplin of the Federal Defender’s Office, presented testimony from a psychologist Catherine Surbeck, an expert in psychosexual disorders, that he could be rehabilitated in therapy if he was kept from having to serve the life sentence sought by the prosecution.
Brown still faces trial in Common Pleas Court in Chester County on state charges related to the sexual abuse of the girl, including trafficking in minors, the first such case brought in the county. In December, President Judge Jacqueline Carroll Cody sentenced Jamieson to 15 to 40 years in state prison as part of a plea agreement. He is now serving that sentence at the State Correctional Institution at Frackville.
Willistown Twnshp, PA
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