Archive for Monday, October 6, 2008
Former Lawrence church youth leader convicted of aggravated indecent liberties with a child
October 6, 2008
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A Douglas County jury on Monday morning convicted a former Lawrence church youth leader of having a sexual relationship nine years ago with an underage girl who was in the youth group.
The jury found Christopher L. Cormack, 38, who now lives in Billings, Mont., guilty of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, for having sex with the girl who would have been 15 years old in 1999.
Amy McGowan, a chief assistant Douglas County district attorney, alleged Cormack had a sexual relationship for three years with the victim, including having sex with her before she turned 16.
The victim, now 24, came forward with the allegations in late 2007 after she heard Cormack was taking a ministry job as a chaplain at Kansas State University after he attended seminary in California. The allegations also ruined his career in the ministry before criminal charges were filed, according to trial testimony.
Jurors began deliberating Friday afternoon. They returned at 9 a.m. Monday and announced their verdict 13 minutes later.
Cormack had testified in his defense last week and expressed remorse for the relationship, but he said he did not commit a crime because they did not have sex until after she turned 16.
He faces anywhere from 55 months to more than 20 years in prison, depending on his criminal history. Chief District Judge Robert Fairchild has scheduled a sentencing for Nov. 25.
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6 October 2008
at 11:38 a.m.
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The_Original_Bob (Anonymous) says…
“Jurors began deliberating Friday afternoon. They returned at 9 a.m. Monday and announced their verdict 13 minutes later.”
What took so long?
6 October 2008
at 11:49 a.m.
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mommaeffortx2 (Anonymous) says…
weekend
6 October 2008
at 11:50 a.m.
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kansas778 (Anonymous) says…
“What took so long?”
*******************
Playoffs were on this weekend.
6 October 2008
at 11:53 a.m.
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OldEnuf2BYurDad (Anonymous) says…
This guy didn't fool anyone.
It's too bad. He may have had potential in ministry, without the sexual dysfunction thingy going on.
It's been said before, but we should all be thankful and proud of the victim's willingness to come forward.
6 October 2008
at 12:07 p.m.
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Confrontation (Anonymous) says…
Wake up, parents! There's a reason many (not all) of these people get jobs just like this. Easy access to children. Don't give them any alone time with your kids, and keep the lines of communication open for your kids.
6 October 2008
at 12:15 p.m.
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Donnuts (Anonymous) says…
which church?
6 October 2008
at 12:17 p.m.
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Raider (Anonymous) says…
Hell hath no fury……
6 October 2008
at 12:19 p.m.
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misplacedcheesehead (Anonymous) says…
Well now, this IS good! Even IF this
man were telling the truth about the sex not starting until the girl was 16, I'm glad his career in the ministry is null and void.
Ms.McGowan, I see you still pick and choose at your leisure which sexual deviants you wish to prosecute, and which you don't, eh?
6 October 2008
at 12:21 p.m.
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cheeseburger (Anonymous) says…
Uh, George - would you please reread your first sentence and then make the appropriate corrections?
6 October 2008
at 12:34 p.m.
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cheeseburger (Anonymous) says…
That looks better - thanks!
6 October 2008
at 1:09 p.m.
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KSA_21_3503 (Anonymous) says…
Don't mess with me.
Also, why is the LJWorld refusing to publish the name of the church? Is it the editor's church?
6 October 2008
at 2 p.m.
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onrywmn (Anonymous) says…
“Amy McGowan, a chief assistant Douglas County district attorney, accused Cormack of having a sexual relationship for three years, including having sex with her before she turned 16.”
That sounds like he had sex with Amy McGowan before she turned 16. Surely, you didn't mean THAT??
6 October 2008
at 2:19 p.m.
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blissfulwitch (Anonymous) says…
Wow, avengingOJ, that comment is really sick and completely inappropriate.
6 October 2008
at 3:12 p.m.
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hawkperchedatriverfront (Anonymous) says…
Really J/W, why remove the name of the church? It is common knowledge and all one had to do was go by the courtroom. Why wasn't the high school (LHS) with held with regard to Ms. Kane?
Let's say the church has something to do with Martin Luther. Even your own J/W article on the 2nd refers to the accused as being ordained as a Lutheran minister. How many Lutheran churches are there in Lawrence? It really isn't that hard to figure it out.
6 October 2008
at 3:45 p.m.
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hawkperchedatriverfront (Anonymous) says…
Oh the drama of Lawrence. Sex in churches , failed bus systems, so we hear by rumor, streets in disrepair but more help is on the way for streets West of Iowa. KU Hospital and Med Center and ST. LUkes are all doing well, despite Dolphs Saturday columns.
Pine trees to hide a bunch of glutus maximus for fear of spies .
What brings the headline for tomorrow for Lawrence, a place that 2 hours east of west or north or south not many even care about.
Did she really go to California after he was married? Did she get to see Disneyland?
Tell me, ReporttheTruth, what is “newly married”? Is that like one day , a few hours or just what? I might want to get married and wondered how long the “new” is.
6 October 2008
at 4:20 p.m.
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bndairdundat (Anonymous) says…
On the other hand, if he was still here and enrolled at
KU he might get 14 days and a slap on the wrist
6 October 2008
at 4:32 p.m.
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badger (Anonymous) says…
Bleah.
That's appalling.
A man of almost 30 engaging in a romantic relationship with a 15-year-old is unacceptable. OK, if you're 15 and your boyfriend is 18, fine, I can live with that.
But a 15-year age difference, especially with someone in a position of authority, is exploitative. It's exactly what statutory rape laws were written for.
6 October 2008
at 4:40 p.m.
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TheOriginalCA (Anonymous) says…
This youth director was a jerk from the word Go! He is as innappropriate as many of the people on this board, so your attempts to group him in with Christians is lame at best. He routinely and openly made fun of some very good decent people in the church. He fit in perfectly in the university community. All of the snap to judgement baseless Christian remarks are far from accurate, so do yourself and the victim(s) (yes, there are several) a favor and refrain from the juvenile and degrading comments.
6 October 2008
at 4:46 p.m.
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stonesend32 (Anonymous) says…
OriginalCA, I thought we went over this a few days ago. You are passing judgement as well so maybe you should stop calling people out for doing the same thing. I guarantee that if you polled people that knew both of them, they would agree that what he did was wrong, but she was so persistant and obsessive and wouldn't leave him alone.
6 October 2008
at 5:07 p.m.
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toe (Anonymous) says…
Looks like Chris is an ELCA pastor as Pacific Lutheran is an ELCA school. His wife is also a pastor or former pastor in Billings. Both graduated from Pacific Lutheran. Sick.
6 October 2008
at 5:10 p.m.
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The_Original_Bob (Anonymous) says…
Somebody got disappearedededed. I guess that is what happen's when you post that not only do you know the girl, but that she was, “asking for it.” Classy.
6 October 2008
at 6:32 p.m.
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bizarre (Anonymous) says…
How the hell would someone prove that 8 years ago they had sex with someone beyond a reasonable doubt?
What was the evidence? underware stain…DNA….a secret video….baby…AIDS?
Who the heck even remembers that far back!!!???? Much less goes to jail for it!
6 October 2008
at 7:20 p.m.
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WHY (Anonymous) says…
Until they name the church it is probably a good idea to keep kids away from all churches. In fact that may be a good idea anyway.
6 October 2008
at 7:43 p.m.
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hawkperchedatriverfront (Anonymous) says…
Badger, it was not uncommon years ago for a man 25 to marry a girl 16. Look at genealogy records from the 1870s , even until 1910. Of course, these two didn't marry, but she may have thought it would become a possibility.
Another day of drama in Lawrence!
6 October 2008
at 9:01 p.m.
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TheOriginalCA (Anonymous) says…
Stonesend32, all I can say to your comment is “WOW.” I had to go back and read it three times to make sure that I read it correctly because I am in such disbelief. Are you an adult? Christopher Cormack was thirty years old for crying out loud. I don't care if she glued herself to him, HE could have and should have restrained himself. Don't be surprised if more females come forward. Hold on to your hat, this aint even CLOSE to being over!
6 October 2008
at 9:17 p.m.
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Dejacrew423 (Anonymous) says…
Glad to see no one is still blaming the victim. This man is a pervert and I hope he receives the therapy he deserves. Thankfully this girl had the courage to see what happened was wrong and prevent it from going on with other girls.
6 October 2008
at 9:30 p.m.
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cheeseburger (Anonymous) says…
bizarre says: How the hell would someone prove that 8 years ago they had sex with someone beyond a reasonable doubt?
What was the evidence? underware stain:DNA:.a secret video:.baby:AIDS?
Who the heck even remembers that far back!!!???? Much less goes to jail for it!
I agree. After this long, wouldn't it just be a case of he said/she said, with no real evidence? He may not be a saint, but I rather doubt she is either. If I was really disturbed about something, it wouldn't take me nine years to bring it to someone's attention!
6 October 2008
at 10:10 p.m.
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jonas_opines (Anonymous) says…
“Badger, it was not uncommon years ago for a man 25 to marry a girl 16. Look at genealogy records from the 1870s , even until 1910.”
Wasn't it pretty common to die at 40-50, too? Maybe the late 19th century and early 20th century are losing their relevance.
But then, maybe not. Let me go put on my driving goggles and I can crank-start my model T and hit the road.
6 October 2008
at 10:12 p.m.
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jonas_opines (Anonymous) says…
“I guarantee that if you polled people that knew both of them, they would agree that what he did was wrong, but she was so persistant and obsessive and wouldn't leave him alone.”
Errr… right. Did he ever, ya'know, think about telling her parents that their 16-17 year old daughter was being persistant and obsessive towards a man a decade older than her, in a position of authority over her, and at the Lutheran Church Youth Group? No?
6 October 2008
at 11:22 p.m.
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hawkperchedatriverfront (Anonymous) says…
jonas_opines, better get used to cranking the car. When fuel gets expensive, it will take a crank to power up the battery for the electric car.
Actually quite a few people born around 1880 lived into their 60s , just as now. The only people really living longer are those born from 1900 to 1920. Not much proof for those born in the late 30s and 40s. Look at the obits, dropping off like flies on a burrito from the infamous burrito stop on 9th st.
6 October 2008
at 11:30 p.m.
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jonas_opines (Anonymous) says…
“Actually quite a few people born around 1880 lived into their 60s , just as now.”
Sure, but could that be taking advantage of the advancements this last century, in the tail-end of their lives?
7 October 2008
at 7:45 a.m.
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Shardwurm (Anonymous) says…
If the sexes were reversed and the victim was a male instead of filing charges he would be trying to hook up with her when she moved back to Manhattan.
Life is so fun!
7 October 2008
at 8:23 a.m.
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whatupdown (Anonymous) says…
She knew the only way to attack him was to claim she was under 16, otherwise no attack, as she set out to do. Now the jury gets the Karma due them.
7 October 2008
at 8:39 a.m.
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mustbhiorlo (Anonymous) says…
hawkperchedatriverfront
to answer your question, there are 4 different Lutheran Churches in Lawrence.
7 October 2008
at 8:39 a.m.
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Marion (Marion Lynn) says…
Without reflecting on this case as such, I must say that I am more than a little amused by many of the comments from both sides of this issue.
Any number of you put down religion and in the next sentence start talking about “karma”; a religious notion to which you ascribe!
The fundamentlists among you forget that the mother of your “Saviour” was most likely around fourteen years of age; a highly marriageable age at the time.
And whatever happened to the “Free Love” concept of the 60s?
“Love the one you're with!”?
Statistics are avialable:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi…
From the citation:
“According to Lynne Casper, a health scientist administrator at the National Institute for Child Health and Human Development and a former employee of the U.S. Census Bureau, there were 3.8 million cohabiting couples - 7.6 million individuals - in the U.S. as of March 2000. Of those couples who were living together but not legally wed, 9.1 percent (349,000 couples) were pairings in which the woman was 6 or more years older than the man, and an additional 12 percent (460,000 duos) were couples in which the woman was 2 to 5 years older than her male partner. A significantly smaller share of married women, only 12.3 percent (7 million women) are 2 or more years older than their husband, including just 3.3 percent (1.9 million women) who have 6 or more years on their spouse.”
7 October 2008
at 8:52 a.m.
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The_Original_Bob (Anonymous) says…
“And whatever happened to the “Free Love” concept of the 60s?” Marion
So banging 15 year olds is cool with you?
7 October 2008
at 8:55 a.m.
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Marion (Marion Lynn) says…
The_Original_Bob (Anonymous) says:
“And whatever happened to the “Free Love” concept of the 60s?” Marion
So banging 15 year olds is cool with you?”
Marion writes:
TOB, nice attempt at spin and it was cute as it went by!
Try reading my post; read with some comprehension if you can.
Marion wrote:
“Without reflecting on this case as such, I must say that I am more than a little amused by many of the comments from both sides of this issue.”
Now shuffle on back to your soy milk.
7 October 2008
at 9:29 a.m.
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dweezil222 (Anonymous) says…
The_Original_Bob (Anonymous) says:
Somebody got disappearedededed. I guess that is what happen's when you post that not only do you know the girl, but that she was, “asking for it.” Classy.
=======================================
I don't know the victim in this case to pass any sort of judgment on her. I did, however, know some girls when I was in high school that intentionally sought out older men and tried to get some. It happens. And while I think 15 is too young, keep in mind that statutory rape/age of consent laws, just like any other legal age requirement, are completely arbitrary.
7 October 2008
at 9:34 a.m.
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badger (Anonymous) says…
hawkperchedatriverfront, those 16 and 17 year old girls a hundred years ago also didn't have options like college or careers, and I'm reasonably certain the vast majority of women (and parents of young women) would prefer 'college and a career and the choice to have a family when you're ready' to 'married at 16 to a man 10 years your senior.'
But as I'm not the parent of a young woman, I may be incorrect.
7 October 2008
at 9:42 a.m.
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PapaB (Anonymous) says…
He was in a position of authority. Combine his abuse of authority with the age difference and you have a crime.
7 October 2008
at 10:09 a.m.
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manus_flexibilis (Anonymous) says…
cradle robbers unite@montana ave, shotgun willies, planet lockwood, etc.
7 October 2008
at 10:12 a.m.
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jafs (Anonymous) says…
Again, it doesn't matter what she was doing.
If she was underage, and he was much older than she, he should have had the maturity to refrain from having sex with her.
Especially since he was a youth pastor in a church!
And, while it's true that the age limits are somewhat arbitrary, they exist in order to protect young people from their own lack of judgement/experience/maturity.
7 October 2008
at 10:21 a.m.
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Sigmund (Anonymous) says…
I think I can summarize the majority of comments here. It appears that most are opposed to having sex with under aged girls unless they really want it, not a Lutheran, or it is a school night. As the girl admitted she was a Lutheran but really wanted it this case will never be satisfactorily resolved until we determine if she had school in the morning.
7 October 2008
at 10:46 a.m.
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kugrad (Anonymous) says…
originalca, I don't know where you come off with your comments about the man being a jerk and fitting in with the university crowd, but at least they expose you as a probable liar and someone who did not actually know him.
I did actually know him, as I attend that same church to this day. I certainly do not condone what he did, it is quite obviously very wrong - but there was nothing about him that would cause anyone to describe him as a jerk. He fit right in at church, and was not a “university type,” whatever that actually means. He seemed like a good youth leader, but it just goes to show you that you can't predict who will cross the line.
To be honest, I was shocked when I heard who it was. If you knew him, you would never guess he would do this.
This all happened a long time ago and the church fingerprints and runs background checks on sunday school teachers and volunteers, so, without a prior record, it is very difficult to prevent something like this. The church is certainly not to blame any more than one could blame the BTK killer's church for his behavior. You can take reasonable precautions, but that's about all you can do.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife (ex wife?) and I hope he can find a career where he can use his many talents to do something good. He is not a bad person, but he used extremely poor judgement and now he will pay the consequences.
7 October 2008
at 11:07 a.m.
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stonesend32 (Anonymous) says…
Thank you KUgrad, I think that was very well put and I completely agree with everything you said. I also agree with the guy asking how on earth she could have proof that this happened 9 years ago. I think it's too bad that 9 years ago, he made a mistake, realized it and tried to move on with his life and now it's all being brought back up based on he said/she said.
7 October 2008
at 11:36 a.m.
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Sigmund (Anonymous) says…
stonesend32 (Anonymous) says: “I think it's too bad that 9 years ago, he made a mistake, realized it and tried to move on with his life and now it's all being brought back up based on he said/she said.”
Personally I would be more upset if he didn't make a mistake 9 years ago but was convicted based upon what she said.
7 October 2008
at 1:27 p.m.
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TheOriginalCA (Anonymous) says…
kugrad and stonesend32, self preservation will bring out personalities in people that you never knew that they had. Chris looked like a deer in the headlights many times during these church meetings. He had to have been very concerned that he had been exposed. I concur that we all have our challenges both known and unknown to others. I do also hope and pray that Chris and his (ex?)wife and their families are OK and that they get the help that they need. She needs help too because this has got to be quite stressful and damaging. We confronted Chris because he seemed to be deliberately excluding some kids and they were the same ones every time. We also threw in the “Why is Chris staying late at night in the youth room behind closed door with (victim name)?” Chris was going outside the lines on too many things and lied LIED… he absolutely LIED on this. He also innappropriately influenced a church election by leading an effort to discredit and trample one of the parents who was more vocal about him. Look, I hear what you are both saying saying, truly, and you are making some good points. You both saw the side of Chris that he allowed you to see. He was extremely manipulative, hence, his relationship(s) with underage female(s). He knew how to play the game and succeeded for a good while. Knowing what I remember about Chris, I feel as though he will persevere and get his life back on track and help others who have similar challenges. He does have a good heart, but very poor judgement and self control. Like I said to start, self preservation will bring desperation out in people.
7 October 2008
at 4:30 p.m.
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shorty042784 (Anonymous) says…
I cant belive this has happend its sad because i use to be in the youth group i know Chris and would have never thought of him doing something l ike that..I was in every function that Chris attented…When you go to church u are suppose to feel safe. I want to say witch church this is but i dont want anyone to think this is a bad church because it isnt…..wow i am still in shock….shame on you Chris
7 October 2008
at 5:58 p.m.
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sweetone (Anonymous) says…
I also knew Chris and the youth group loved him alot, yea he screwed up!!!!! Lets hope he can get the help so that this wont happen again. Its not the churches fault. I have been a member for alot of years and love the youth leaders that they have had. They all try very hard to hire people to take on our youths today, and trust me there arnt alot of people knocking down that door ready to deal with youth today. But for the ones who do we need to make sure they are safe, and they do have the safe guards in place now so that not just anyone is hired.
I hope chris gets the help he needs and the same for the (now) woman she also needs councling . I want to say more but i dont want to be blogged to death with my own feelings on this issue.
7 October 2008
at 6:33 p.m.
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rainydaze (Anonymous) says…
A few random thoughts: Does anyone else wonder why we haven't seen pictures of this guy? And why was this story buried in the back pages of the J-W? If I remember correctly, the LHS teacher's picture was everywhere for days (and months), and she was only a few years older than the student. Were they going for sensationalism with Ms. Kane's coverage - just trying to stir things up? Sell papers? Is it somehow slightly more acceptable for this older man to have a relationship with a 15 y.o. girl than for a 23 year-old young woman to be charmed and ultimately seduced by an adult-sized, aggressive, physically mature 15 y.o. boy with raging hormones? Mmmm….Sexism? In both cases, there was definitely a lack of judgment and both of the older people should have stepped away from the situation. Why was the coverage so much more demeaning to her, though? Is it not such a big story because the judge in this case not trying to score political brownie points like the previous one? Also, why was Randy Weisman seen leaving the courthouse by someone we know just prior to Ms. Kane's sentencing hearing, He couldn't possibly have been trying to do some last minute influencing, could he?
8 October 2008
at 8:22 p.m.
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Marion (Marion Lynn) says…
I'm just sayin'…….”…how far it's gone….”….:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,4…
“15-Year-Old Girl Faces Child Porn Charges for Nude Cell Phone Pictures of Herself
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Newark, Ohio -
Central Ohio authorities have filed felony charges against a 15-year-old girl accused of taking nude cell phone photos of herself and sending them to high school classmates.
Police say the Newark Licking Valley student was arrested Friday and held over the weekend. On Monday, she entered denials to juvenile charges of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material and possession of criminal tools.
A spokeswoman for the Ohio attorney general's office says an adult convicted of the child pornography charge would have to register as a sexual offender, but a judge would have flexibility on the matter with a convicted juvenile.
A prosecutor says Licking County authorities also considering charges for students who received the photos.”
“…dirty laundry……”
8 October 2008
at 10:51 p.m.
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Unknown500 (Anonymous) says…
wow!