Former MD pastor maintains innocence,
gets 25 years for child sexual abuse
Should get another 5 years for delusions of grandeur
Maintaining his innocence and invoking the tribulations of Joseph, Job and Jesus, a former pastor was sentenced Wednesday to 25 years in state prison for the sexual molestation of his live-in companion's daughter.
"It's not my fault I'm caught up in a modern-day witch hunt," Dru Darren Brown told Washington County Circuit Judge Daniel P. Dwyer. "Everyone told me to take the plea."
What plea agreement Brown was offered wasn't stated in open court. But, obviously, he didn't take it.
Brown, 59, of Hagerstown was convicted by a jury in May of sexual abuse of a minor, second-degree rape, and second- and third-degree sex offenses.
Dwyer sentenced him to the 25 years, plus a 20-year suspended sentence.
Assistant Public Defender Amy Taylor asked Dwyer to consider a sentence between probation, 18 months in the county jail, or four to nine years in prison. Assistant State's Attorney Beverly Plutnick said the prosecution was recommending 75 years.
Now there's a discrepancy.
Before sentencing, Dwyer noted that the victim's letter to the court asked that Brown get at least 20 years. Because some of the counts are considered crimes of violence, Dwyer told Brown he must serve half of the 25 years before he is eligible for parole or early release.
The case against Brown began in Tennessee, where he, the woman he lived with in Hagerstown and her teenage daughter were attending a Pagan festival in May 2018. After an incident in which she locked herself in a hotel room, the girl told authorities that Brown sexually abused her several times at their Hagerstown home.
A Christian pastor, albeit, former, attending a Pagan festival? Seriously?
Brown and the girl were interviewed by authorities in Tennessee, but the allegations were outside of that state's jurisdiction. Brown was released, returned to Hagerstown and turned himself in to police.
Brown said Wednesday that the mother and daughter conspired against him so the mother could be with another man.
He said there was no corroboration for the allegations, which he claimed stemmed from four instances of his disciplining the girl. However, he also said the girl's mother "found us in bed" on one occasion.
He corrected that to say that he and the girl were in separate beds and fully clothed.
And if that were true, why mention it in the first place?
The victim testified in May that Brown choked her and pulled her to the floor the first time she was sexually molested.
Brown addressed the court for about 20 minutes Wednesday, telling Dwyer that Joseph was falsely accused, but became a ruler of Egypt; while everything was taken from Job, but he later was rewarded for his faithfulness.
"I'm also in the company of Jesus Christ," who was maligned and crucified, said Brown, who, at one time, was a pastor and a school bus driver.
"I didn't get justice, so now I'm going to ask for mercy," Brown said. He said he would appeal his conviction and that the truth could be found in the trial transcripts.
"You succumbed to a temptation the law forbids," Dwyer said.
The judge said he didn't believe incriminating statements that Brown gave to detectives in Tennessee were coerced.
Brown lived in another state and met the victim's mother online before they moved in together in Hagerstown, according to trial testimony.
Brown's wife, to whom he remains married, later moved into the home.
If he really believes Jesus Christ is with him, I suspect he's highly delusional.
The conviction also requires Brown to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
Tyler, TX, man sentenced to life imprisonment for continuous sexual abuse of child
By Christian Terry
TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - A Tyler man has received his sentence for the charge of continuous sexual abuse of a child
According to a press release from the Smith County Criminal District Attorney, on Wednesday, August 14th, a Smith County jury in the 114th District Court sentenced Raul Eduardo Lopez-Navidad (DOB: 10/13/1985) to life in prison without parole, for the offense of continuous sexual abuse of a child.
The press release said the jury heard evidence that the defendant first sexually assaulted the child when she was in the 5th grade. The abuse continued for years from the ages of 10 to 16. The victim eventually told a family friend about the abuse, who reported it to CPS.
Detective Judson Moore with the Tyler Police Department was assigned to investigate the case, along with the dedicated professionals at the Smith County Children’s Advocacy Center. After the victim was forensically interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center, Detective Moore interviewed the defendant who admitted to the abuse.
The press release said nude pictures of the child were also found on the defendant’s cell phone.
“We can all learn from the victim in this case. Her strength and courage throughout this entire process was truly incredible,” said Assistant District Attorney R. Clay Kimbrough.
So proud of you girl. That took tremendous courage!
The case was tried by Assistant District Attorneys R. Clay Kimbrough and Noah Coltman.
Springfield, OH, man indicted on 61 new counts related to child sex abuse
By: Parker Perry, WHIO - Staff Writer
SPRINGFIELD — A Springfield man was indicted with 61 felony charges related to child sex misconduct.
Oliver Sanders III, 26, was indicted this week in Clark County Common Pleas Court on nine counts of rape, 38 counts of pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor, seven counts of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material, six counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor and one count of gross sexual imposition.
An attempt to reach Sanders’ attorney, Jeffrey Hunter, wasn’t successful.
Sanders was previously indicted on six counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor and three counts of pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor. Sanders had a court date Monday for the older charges, according to online court records, and a jury trial was scheduled for Sept. 23.
It is unclear how the new charges will affect the older charges. Both cases are active. Sanders is an inmate in the Clark County jail, according to jail records, and has been since April 29 when he was originally arrested.
Springfield Police Division launched their initial investigation into Sanders in early March.
Minneapolis Children's Theatre Company
settles six child sexual abuse lawsuits
An additional 9 cases of sexual abuse at the theater remain unresolved
By Dan Browning Star Tribune
Heidi Fellner of Minneapolis, right, waved to passing cars as she stood with fellow protesters outside the theater last month organized by survivors of sexual assaulted by Children's Theatre instructors. Laura Stearns and Erin Nanasi, two women who reported being sexually assaulted by Children's Theatre instructors in the 1980s, led a protest outside the theater Saturday, June 1, 2019 ahead of the 2 p.m. showing of "Matilda" in south Minneapolis.
Children’s Theatre Company issued a statement Wednesday saying it has settled lawsuits filed by six individuals who were sexually abused by the former artistic director and two former employees in the 1970s.
Nine other cases remain unresolved; another lawsuit resulted in a verdict finding that the company had been negligent but was not liable for damages. And another lawsuit alleging sexual abuse by former Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) teacher Jason McLean did not name the company as a defendant.
The CTC board’s statement, addressed to “Community Members,” said it was grateful to resolve the half-dozen lawsuits and looks forward to resolutions in the remaining cases “that provide healing and justice.” The board emphasized that the theater company has “no place for abuse of any kind.”
Molly Burke, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, called the settlements “real progress” and said the parties are working to resolve the remaining lawsuits.
Terms of the settlements are “private and confidential” and the company will not comment on the lawsuits beyond the board’s statement, said CTC spokeswoman Melissa Ferlaak.
“Like so many of you, we choose to work at and serve CTC because of our love of theatre and to help foster that same connection in the children of our community — to spark joy through art and performance. Any kind of abuse of children is abhorrent and goes against our core values,” the board wrote. “To all of our artists, teaching artists, and staff at CTC: We reaffirm to you our commitment to address these historic wrongs, and are working on a significant list of action items both for now and the future. While some of our planned actions cannot be taken until legal proceedings conclude, others can and will begin immediately.”
Those actions include training and education that acknowledges past sexual abuse by employees and changes that CTC has made to prevent it in the future. That includes training for staff and volunteers on how to intervene and report known or suspected abuse.
Child actors and their parents will be informed of past abuse and given additional resources explaining how they can also report known or suspected abuse, the board said.
The theater is planning an open forum for Sept. 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. to discuss ways the CTC can promote “community healing and begin the critical work of rebuilding.” Those interested in participating should e-mail ctcforum@childrenstheatre.org.
In addition, the company is planning a three-part speakers series this season that will focus on the prevention of child abuse, survivor support, and ways the arts can help in healing trauma.
“To those survivors who have shared their stories with us: We are so profoundly sorry. Your courage in sharing your abuse has challenged us to think more creatively about the strategies by which we can support and honor you.
“You have inspired other survivors of sexual abuse to share their experiences with all of us. Your voices have brought this issue to the fore, and our community has been enlightened and forever changed as a result,” the board wrote.
Child Sex Abuse Suspect Offered 12-Year Sentence for Guilty Plea
The prosecution has offered Hoopa fisheries biologist Joshua Seth Strange a 12-year prison term, provided he pleads guilty to continuous sexual abuse of a child. Deputy District Attorney Stacey Eads confirmed the offer Tuesday to Judge Christopher Wilson, saying the proposed deal has been on the table for some time. Strange had been scheduled for a preliminary hearing tomorrow morning.
Deputy Public Defender Luke Brownfield, representing Strange, told Wilson he would like to set a future court date because he needs more time to discuss the offer with his client.
Strange, a well-known river-restoration expert and fisheries biologist, has been in jail for almost a year on felony child-molestation charges that carry a maximum penalty of life. The alleged victim had just turned 9 when he reportedly began sexually abusing her.
Continuous sexual abuse of a child carries possible prison terms of 6, 12 or 16 years. It is considered a strike under California law, and the person convicted must register as a sex offender for life.
Wilson scheduled another intervention hearing, at which attorneys privately discuss resolving the case, for Sept. 4. If the case doesn’t settle at that time, the preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 11.
Pike County, Ala., man indicted on
child sex abuse charges
By Jacob Holmes
Troy Messenger
A Pike County man has been arrested after being indicted on charges relating to the sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12.
Alexander Cole, 27, was arrested Monday after being served the indictments on charges of first-degree sodomy, sexual abuse of a child less than 12 and enticing a child.
Assistant District Attorney Jon Folmar said this is an instance of “delayed reporting” in which the child was under 12 at the time of the alleged charges and then reported the crimes at a later age.
“First-degree sodomy is a Class A Felony punishable by 99 years to life in prison,” Folmar said. “Because the child was under the age of 12 at the time, there is no possibility of a split sentence if convicted and the sentence must be served day for day. It’s a very serious allegation and a very serious crime.”
Folmar said the alleged crimes occurred across a “period of time.” No more information could be given about the case due to its sensitive nature.
Sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12 and enticing a child are both Class C Felonies punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison.
Talkeetna, AK, man arrested on child sex abuse charge
Phillip Manning
According to Alaska State Troopers, 69-year-old Larry Pruitt of Talkeetna was arrested at his home on charges of sexual abuse of a minor in the second degree. The arrest occurred around 2:00 pm on Tuesday afternoon, and Pruitt was held without bail.
Pruitt was arraigned on Wednesday afternoon. In this case, the charge of sexual abuse of a minor in the second degree means Pruitt is accused of “engag[ing] in sexual contact with a person who is under 13 years of age or aids, induces, causes, or encourages a person under 13 years of age to engage in sexual contact with another person.”
According to CourtView, the crime Pruitt is accused of occurred between May of 2016 and August of 2017.
Suspect arrested Wednesday in Orange County, TX,
on child sex abuse charge
ORANGE COUNTY, Texas — A 62-year-old man was arrested Wednesday in Orange County on a child sex abuse charge.
His bond is set at $250,000 according to jail records.
Officials told 12News the alleged victim was younger than 13 and was known to Moore.
The investigation is ongoing.
Well-known Viola, Ill, photographer charged with 14 counts of child porn/abuse
BY BIANCA REYES, WQADVIOLA, Illinois -- Well-known photographer, James "Eric" Haley of Viola, is charged with child porn, sexual abuse and sexual assault.
"I didn’t really know what was going on at first," said Tina Wiley, a resident, and mother who noticed the several unmarked police cars lining the street as she jogged past the home.
According to documents from the Mercer County State's Attorney's Office, Haley faces one count of sexual assault, fourteen counts of child pornography, and one count of sexual abuse.
Police say the incidents occurred over a year and a half time frame, from May 2014 to December 2015. All 16 counts involved one female victim, who was 15-years old at the time.
"I was disgusted by it. It’s sickening," said Lisa Rogan, a mother who is new to the area, but quickly learned of Haley's reputation.
Haley has run his own photography businesses, Ericandi Photo and Image Design, for several years. People in the community vouching he often shot their weddings, back-to-school photos, and portraits.
"I think that’s what we’re seeing more and more," Rogan said. "(The subject being) somebody we trust."
"They have a great reputation," Wiley said. "Very well known and liked and respected in the community. So it’s quite shocking to hear that this is being investigated."
Federal agents and police worked for hours removing studio lights, tripods and computers from the home to be taken in as evidence.
According to the State's Attorney:
Count 1 is for Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault, a Class X felony, when Haley committed "an act of penetration, by way of inserting his fingers into the vagina of J.E., a minor, 15 years old at the time, knowing she was unable to give knowing consent."
Counts 2 - 15 where for Child Pornography, a Class 1 felony, when Haley "photographed J.E., then 15 years old, in poses, posture or settings involving a lewd exhibition of the unclothed pubic area and/or fully and partially developed breasts of the child."
The final count, Count 16, is for Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse, a class 2 felony, by "ejaculating on the face of J.E., a minor, knowing that J.E. was unable to give knowing consent, while committing the felony Child Pornography."
"I hope that people just don’t want to walk around and say ‘Oh he’s so nice, and he’s so good,’" Rogan said. "Well no he’s not, no he’s not."
It's so typical of pedophiles to be well-liked and even quite affable. They literally groom everyone around them. It makes it easier to access children.
US fugitive wanted on child sexual abuse charges hid for three years in solar powered bunker - police
Independent.ie Newsdesk
A Wisconsin fugitive wanted on child sexual assault and child pornography charges hid out for more than three years in a makeshift bunker powered by solar panels and a pedal generator before a hunter found him, police said.
WSAW-TV reports that several months ago Thomas Nelson of Wausau found a bunker with a log door carved into an embankment on state land in the township of Ringle west of Wausau, about 145 miles (233 kilometres) north of Madison, the state capital.
Mr Nelson became curious and returned to the bunker on Friday morning to see what was inside. The door was unlatched so he went inside.He discovered 44-year-old Jeremiah Button, who disappeared in February 2016 just weeks before he was scheduled to stand trial on child sexual assault and child pornography charges.
Mr Nelson said: "I pushed the door open, and I look inside and I can see canned foods, there's little storage boxes, and I'm like ... I gotta go in."
"I come around the corner a bit and there he is, laying in his bed. I mean, I was shaking when I went in, I was shaking when I went out."
He moved away and called police, guiding them to the bunker's door. A 20-minute stand-off ensued before Button surrendered.
Marathon County sheriff's deputy Matt Kecker said Button seemed almost glad for human interaction.
Mr Kecker said Button told deputies that he had been building the bunker while his case was moving through court, stockpiling it with items he found in the Marathon County landfill.
Sheriff's lieutenant Jeff Stefonek said Button set up solar panels on the bunker's roof to power LED lights, radios, cooling fans and electronic equipment. He also had a pedal-powered generator for cloudy days.
The bunker was small enough that it stayed warm in winter and cool in summer.
Mr Stefonek said: "He was not only surviving, but thriving in this structure through all of the different supplies he was able to find."
Button is back in custody and is due back in court for a pretrial conference on September 16.
No comments:
Post a Comment