..
'Deeply unsettling' Boston reveals documents from mid-90s investigation into officer who later became union chief
WCVB
Updated: 4:24 PM EDT Apr 20, 2021
Boston city officials on Tuesday released documents related to a decades-old sex abuse investigation involving a former police officer and union chief who is now charged with molesting multiple children.
The 14 pages of documents included a memo addressed to Janey, Internal Affairs Recommendations and Assessment documents related to a 1995 child abuse allegation filed against Patrick Rose Sr. Other pages from the file were not released, citing the need to keep the names of witnesses and victims of sexual assault confidential.
Rose, 66, is now a retired officer and the one-time president of the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association. He was initially charged last August when a father and his teenage daughter reported that the girl had been repeatedly molested by Rose from age 7 through 12.
Within weeks, five more people came forward to accuse Rose of molesting them as children.
Rose first faced child abuse allegations in 1995 when the department filed a criminal complaint against Rose for sexual assault on a 12-year-old child.
The documents released Tuesday indicate that a 1996 Internal Affairs review sustained the allegations against Rose, who has been relieved of his weapon and placed on administrative duty.
However, in 1997 the union wrote a letter saying they were considering a grievance about Rose's case. After that, Rose was returned to full duty.
"It is deeply unsettling and entirely unacceptable that Rose remained on the force for two decades and eventually became the president of the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association," Janey said. "What's more, Rose was allowed to have contact with young victims of sexual assault during the course of his career, and we now know that he allegedly went on to assault several other children."
In the recent cases, Rose pleaded not guilty to 33 total charges involving six alleged victims and is being held on $200,000 cash bail.
The Boston Police Department in a statement to the Associated Press last week said it was legally prohibited from commenting “on the facts and circumstances of the 1995 investigation of these horrific allegations.”
“My client maintains his innocence to all of the charges that have been brought against him and he maintains his innocence to what was alleged to have transpired back in 1995,” his attorney, William J. Keefe, said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
South Carolina man sentenced to 5 years for sharing
explicit pictures of minors
(Source: WAVE 3 News)
By Jazmine Greene | April 20, 2021 at 4:28 PM
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A Horry County man has been sentenced to five years in prison for sharing explicit photos of several minors.
In December of 2018, the Horry County Sheriff’s Office received four CyberTips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. A social media site reported that a user uploaded files of what appeared to be child sexual abuse material.
An investigation discovered that three female minors had sent nude images of themselves to Antwon McCoy. Officials say McCoy also sent nude images of himself to the victims.
Sgt. Tim Troxell with the Horry County Sheriff’s Office executed search warrants on the social media site that received the images and obtained the chat threads between the victims and McCoy.
On April 30, 2019, Sgt. Troxell located and interviewed McCoy. He confessed to the allegations.
Judge Kristi F. Curtis sentenced McCoy to five years in prison, with credit for the 720 days he had already served.
McCoy will be required to register as a sex offender and will forfeit the device that contained the files of children being sexually exploited.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General R. Quentin Gaddy.
Police seek public’s help finding 67-year-old accused of
sexual abuse involving 7 y/o girl
April 20, 2021 at 2:41 pm EDT
By WHIO Staff
JACKSON TWP., Montgomery County — Jackson Township police are searching for a 67-year-old man wanted for gross sexual imposition after he was indicted earlier this month.
Claude Kidd, 67, is wanted after police said he was accused of the crime involving a 7-year-old girl he knew, according to police.
The sex crime is said to have happened last June at the home of a relative of the child, police said.
Police believe Kidd may be living in Kentucky.
Anyone with information on the crime or Kidd’s whereabouts is asked to contact Jackson Twp. Police at 937-696-2522.
Jackson Twp, Oh
Midland (Tx) Crime Stoppers looking for man charged
with sexual abuse of a child
Posted: Apr 20, 2021 / 01:32 PM CDT
According to a Facebook post, the Midland County Sheriff’s office is trying to find Medro Mata, 40.
Mata is wanted on one count of Continuous Sex Abuse of a Child under 14 and one count of Indecency with a Child Sexual Contact.
If you have information regarding the location of Mata, please call Midland Crime Stoppers at 432-694-TIPS.
Former School Paraprofessional Takes Plea Bargain
for Shooting and Killing Sex Offender
ALBERTO LUPERON
Apr 20th, 2021, 1:29 pm
James Fairbanks (left), and Mattieo Condoluci.
Nebraska man and former school paraprofessional James Fairbanks, 44, pleaded no contest on Thursday to second-degree murder for shooting convicted sex offender Mattieo Condoluci, 64, in a 2020 confrontation, according to Omaha World-Herald.
There’s no dispute Fairbanks did it. He repeatedly admitted to the act, even sending a letter to media outlets before his arrest. As far as the prosecution was concerned, the dispute was over whether Fairbanks did the right thing, and whether the defense was disingenuous.
“There are a lot of criminals in the world,” said chief deputy Douglas County attorney Brenda Beadle. “You don’t get to confront them and then try to claim self-defense. Especially when you do all this research on someone a week before you murder them.”
Condoluci was convicted of child molestation in a 1994 Florida case, and a 2007 case out of Sarpy County, Nebraska. Prosecutors in the latter incident considered him a “dangerous sex offender” even after his 2009 release from prison. For a time, Condoluci went onto become a street minister to the homeless in Omaha, serving meals and giving haircuts.
He was considered a dangerous offender, yet he was convicted in 2007 and was already out of prison in 2009! How can that be?
But Fairbanks, who was the father of sons aged 12 and 17, said he was apartment hunting and learned of Condoluci’s past when researching the neighborhood he planned on moving into. He claimed to have witnessed him pretending to wash a truck in order to leer at a group of nearby children.
The defense account is that an armed Fairbanks went to Condoluci’s home, told him he was moving nearby, and pointed at the rifle at him — not to murder Condoluci, but to warn him against harming any other kids.
Condoluci backed up, but the defendant mistook an object for a purse, and thought a woman might have been at the scene. In that moment, the resident allegedly charged Fairbanks, who opened fire multiple times.
Prosecutors basically called this story a bunch of B.S: the defendant was not apartment hunting, he was pedophile hunting. Before the incident, Fairbanks looked up whether the state’s death row had a commissary, what punishments men got for killing sex offenders in the past, whether a local gunshot alert system could hear such sounds from inside a home, how self-defense was defined as opposed to second-degree murder, and even the way to another sex offender’s home.
Fairbanks has apparently gotten the lion’s share of support on this. Laura Smith certainly shed no tears for the deceased man. She is the mother of the boy in the 1994 Florida case, and started a Facebook group against Condoluci. Smith said her son died of drug problems in 2017, and she blamed it on the abuse. Accordingly, she told the World-Herald last year that she did not think Fairbanks should get jail time.
Condoluci’s daughter Amanda Henry, who said her father abused her as a child, argued that Fairbanks should only get probation.
“Murdering my dad was a horrible thing,” she said. “But children are much safer now, any other child he could have hurt is much safer.”
Fairbanks’ ex-wife Kelly Tamayo, who previously sought protection orders against him in 2016 and 2018, also voiced support despite their past.
A prison term is inescapable, however. Under the terms of the plea bargain, Fairbanks faces 21 years to life at the sentencing set for July 14. The victim’s son Joe Condoluci acknowledged his father’s criminal history and was distraught over his sister’s allegations, but he said that Fairbanks was looking for evil reasons behind his father’s routine behavior, such as cleaning his truck.
“The guy didn’t know my dad,” he told KETV in 2020. “He didn’t know anything about him all. He knew was stuff that he’s seen online.”
The defendant told the World-Herald after court that he regretted what he put his family through.
Insurance Company The Hartford to Pay Boy Scouts of America
$650 Million
RYAN J. FARRICK
— April 20, 2021
Attorneys for victims of child sex abuse have said the proposed settlement is not nearly sufficient for the tens of thousands of claims against the Scouts.
Insurance company The Hartford has agreed to pay the Boy Scouts of America $650 million as part of the latter group’s bankruptcy proceedings.
As the Hartford Courant earlier reported, the Boy Scouts of America—along with several of its local councils—filed a lawsuit against the insurance company in 2018. In their complaint, the Boy Scouts alleged that The Hartford had issued it policies which should have covered some of the sexual assault claims now pending against the Scouts.
“We are deeply sympathetic to the victims of childhood sexual abuse and the enduring trauma they suffer,” The Hartford spokesman Matthew Sturdevant said. “Our agreement with BSA is an encouraging step towards a global resolution that will promote the BSA’s efforts to equitably compensate survivors.”
According to The Associated Press, the funds will be deposited into a trust for victims of child sexual abuse.
In exchange for the payment, the Boy Scouts will release The Hartford from any obligations the insurer may have held from policies issued to the BSA dating back to 1971.
“The agreement, entered into after extensive negotiations, contemplates that, in exchange for The Hartford’s payment, the BSA and its local councils will fully release The Hartford from any obligation under policies it issued to the BSA and its local councils,” The Hartford said in a news release.
The settlement, notes The Associated Press, was submitted to the courts on Friday by a team of mediators who are working to resolve tens of thousands of sex abuse claims lodged against the Boy Scouts, even as the BSA heads towards bankruptcy.
“Our agreement with The Hartford is an encouraging step towards achieving a global resolution that will promote the BSA’s efforts to equitably compensate survivors and continue the mission of Scouting,” the Boy Scouts said in a statement. “We are committed to continuing our mediation efforts with all parties and look forward to sharing additional updates as these discussions progress.”
However, the settlement comes with a catch: The Hartford’s gross payment will be reduced if the Boy Scouts or the victims’ trust enters into an agreement with another insurer—Century Indemnity Company—and Century settles for less than two times the amount which The Hartford paid.
The Associated Press notes that, even without the potential reduction, attorneys representing abuse victims were “appalled” by the agreement.
“It’s outrageous,” said attorney Paul Mones, who is representing hundreds of abuse victims. “Their real liability is in the billions of dollars.”
“This is just business as usual for the Boy Scouts—paying lip service to their supposed understanding and concern for their horrific legacy of sex abuse, but not doing anything substantive,” he added.
If the settlement is not approved by abuse victims, then the Boy Scouts will create a self-funded trust. However, that trust will only pay claims filed against the national scouting organization and exclude those made against local councils.
The official tort claims committee, notes The Associated Press, estimates the value of the approximately 84,000 claims against the Boy Scouts as $103 billion. Right now, the Boy Scouts estimates that its settlement trust, once fully funded, will be worth anywhere between $2 billion and $7 billion.
$103 billion dollars is only $1,500,000 for each of the 84,000 claims. That is likely a gross overestimate. However, $5 billion dollars would leave about $60,000 for each victim, which is well short of what seems fair, if anything is ever fair in child sexual abuse.
=====================================================================================
Fort Collins, Co man who fled country found guilty
in 2002 child sex assault case
Sady Swanson
Fort Collins Coloradoan
A Fort Collins man was found guilty Tuesday of sexually assaulting a close friend's child more than two decades ago.
Bachmann was initially arrested in July 2002, but shortly before his first scheduled trial in spring 2004 he fled to Switzerland. Because of his dual citizenship, he could not be extradited from Switzerland back to the U.S., Deputy District Attorney Renee Doak said during closing statements Monday.
An international warrant was filed for his arrest, and in 2019 Bachmann was arrested in Qatar and extradited to Larimer County.
The victim — who is now in his 30s — told his parents back in 2002 that Bachmann inappropriately touched him during sleepovers at Bachmann’s house when Bachmann thought he was asleep, Deputy District Attorney Luke Birky told the jury during opening statements at the start of the trial last week.
In the jury's ruling, Bachmann was convicted of having inappropriate sexual contact with the child multiple times over three years, while the child was in seventh through ninth grades. He was also found guilty of taking and possessing a sexually exploitative photo of the child while he slept.
Eighth Judicial District Judge Juan Villaseñor ordered a presentence investigation, sexually violent predator assessment and offense-specific evaluation to aid in determining an appropriate sentence for Bachmann.
Bachmann remains in the Larimer County Jail without bond. His sentencing is scheduled for July 16.
If you think a child is being harmed
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, an anti-sexual violence organization, lists tips for what to do if you suspect a child is being harmed.
1. Recognize the signs
The signs of abuse aren't necessarily obvious, but they include:
Behavioral signs: Shrinking away from physical contact, thumb sucking or other regressive behaviors, changing hygiene routines, engaging in age-inappropriate sexual behaviors, or having sleep disturbances or nightmares
Verbal cues: Using words or phrases that are "too adult" for their age, unexplained silence or suddenly being less talkative
Physical signs: Bruising or swelling near the genital area, blood on sheets or undergarments or broken bones
2. Talk to the child
Pick your time and place carefully and find a place the child feels comfortable. Be aware of your tone. Try to make the conversation more casual and be non-threatening.
Talk to the child directly. Ask questions that use the child's own vocabulary but are a little vague. For example, "Has someone been touching you?" In this context "touching" can mean different things, but it is likely a word the child is familiar with. The child can respond with questions or comments to help you better gauge the situation like, "No one touches me except my mom at bath time," or "You mean like the way my cousin touches me sometimes?" Understand that sexual abuse can feel good to the child, so asking if someone is "hurting" them may not bring out the information that you are looking for.
Listen and follow up, but avoid judgment and blame.
Reassure the child, and make sure they know they're not in trouble.
Be patient. Remember this conversation may be very frightening for the child. Many perpetrators make threats about what will happen if someone finds out about the abuse.
3. Report it
Reporting a crime like sexual abuse might not be easy, and it can be emotionally draining.
Keep in mind that reporting abuse gives you the chance to protect someone who can't protect themselves.
Before you report, tell the child that you're going to talk to someone who can help. Be clear that you are not asking their permission.
Learn more at www.rainn.org.
10 arrested in online child enticement operation in Aurora, Co
Posted: Apr 20, 2021 / 04:36 PM MDT
The two-day online operation was conducted on April 8 and 9 within the city of Aurora. The task force arrested individuals who were allegedly attempting to arrange sexual encounters with a minor.
AURORA, Colo. (KDVR) — A multi-agency operation led to the arrest of 10 suspects for allegedly attempting to arrange sexual encounters with a minor online.
The Aurora Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children, Homeland Security Investigations and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation worked together as the Colorado Cyber Guardian Task Force. The task force targets those who engage in the enticement of children for sexual purposes online.
The two-day online operation was conducted on April 8 and 9 within the city of Aurora.
The Colorado Cyber Guardian Task Force has released the suspects’ names, ages, self-declared city of residence, and self-declared or otherwise known professions:
Edgar R. Pando-Caprio, 23, Denver, is employed as a contracted overnight janitor working within the Cherry Creek School District (The district is aware of the arrest and will independently provide more information to staff, parents and public).
Laurentino Espinoza-Pena, 56, Aurora, is self-employed providing maintenance services.
Tommy Kilcher, 43, Aurora, self-declared employment at Cardinal Health.
Joseph M. Goetz, 59, Aurora, self-declared Business Owner of Rio Leasing LLC.
Jeremy J. Steward, 42, Aurora, historically reported as working in the restaurant/bar industry.
Brent W. Murray II, 30, Highlands Ranch, has historically self-declared employment as a drone pilot with USA Security.
Joshua J. Wagner, 46, Denver, did not declare employment at time of arrest.
Dylan J. Cornhoff, 27, Aurora, did not declare employment at time of arrest.
Peter D. Rodriguez, 50, Denver, declared employment with a company only identified as Performance and worked as a loader.
Joshua D. Garcia, 37, Westminster, declared employment with Hertz as a car attendant.
At minimum, each suspect was charged with soliciting a child for prostitution, criminal attempt and patronizing of a prostituted child. The 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office will handle the prosecution.
“Child sex abuse is one of the most serious crimes HSI investigates due to the lasting psychological and physical damage it can inflict on victims,” said special agent in charge of Denver’s Homeland Security Investigations, Steven Cagen.
The organizations involved in the Colorado Cyber Guardian Task Force want to remind parents to keep an eye on their child’s online presence and to have conversations with their children about the dangers of the internet to prevent them from being a victim of a child sex predator.
To learn more about internet safety and how to keep your children safe, visit the Aurora Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children’s website.
No comments:
Post a Comment