Child Injury Lawyer Blog

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Pennsylvania, the first civil lawsuit has been filed against Jerry Sandusky, Penn State, and the charity founded by former Coach Jerry Sandusky. The victim, who is now 29 years old, alleged that Jerry Sandusky sexually abused him more than 100 times. It is anticipated that other lawsuits will follow by other victims of Jerry Sandusky. In an attempt to use public relations, Jerry Sandusky has given some interviews to major news outlets. He has admitted to "horsing around" and to "showers" with or near the boys. Mr. Sandusky's judgment was certainly poor and it appears that he continued his bad behavior or poor judgment for years without any appreciable intervention by the police, Penn State University, or any of his superiors at the college. It will be interesting to see what evidence is developed through the lawsuit as well as the criminal investigation that is currently pending. In light of the criminal investigation and the multiple reports from different victims / witnesses of Jerry Sandusky's bad acts, it is difficult to comprehend Sandusky's ongoing denial of any criminal or abusive conduct. Of course, Sandusky will be entitled to a criminal defense in the prosecution(s) against him. The case will result in a dismissal, plea deal, or trial. Since there appears to be plenty of evidence against him, it is unlikely that there will be a dismissal of the criminal charges. As such, the case will either be tried in front of a jury or will result in a plea deal. As for the civil case, there will be a settlement, trial, or court order establishing the case or throwing it out. Time will tell how all of these cases turn out. Hopefully, the truth will shine through and justice will prevail. See Sandusky Sued for Abuse in Pennsylvania.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Pennsylvania and other States, there are day care center workers who unfortunately use the day care center as a location to abuse and neglect children under their care. IN Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Matthew Keith Byars (age 26) has been accused and charged with crimes in multiple instances of abuse and neglect of children. It was reported that Byars previously worked at Tender Care Learning Center in Pennsylvania.
In particular, he was charged with the Pennsylvania crimes of unlawful contact with a minor, sexual abuse, solicitation, and indecent exposure.

In investigating and pursuing the criminal case, prosecutors gathered evidence including videos and photos from the Defendant's computer and camera. Sexual predators and child molesters often times keep evidence and memorabilia of their crimes. This, in turn, when obtained by law enforcement and prosecutors, can help secure a conviction for the crimes against children. For more information on this story - see Pennsylvania Prosecutors File More Charges Against Day Care Worker.

By Scott Marks, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A South Los Angeles day care center operator was arrested and charged with sexually molesting her 13 year old god son. Chelsea McClelland was found having sex with her god son, in a van parked near the Santa Monica freeway. The South Los Angeles day care operator pleaded no contest to two counts of lewd act on a minor. She was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to register a a sex offender. See Day Care Center Operator Sentenced to Prison Term in Child Care Molestation Case.

Sexual abuse and molestation can occur in day care settings. Make sure you research your child's day care center focus on the rules and regulations. You can research if any reports of abuse or neglect have been lodge against your child's day care center.

When a child is injured, abused, or neglected in a California Day Care Center, there are often more question than questions for the parent doing his or her best to deal with the situation. Day care centers should be safe havens of education of a child - not a place where is child is injured or is in fear. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Day Care Center Injuries, School Injuries, Playground Injuries, and other topics. You can receive a free book at Child Injury Book - Free Book for Parents Looking for Information.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A Nampa, Idaho man, 84, pled guilty to felony child molestation of a minor. Gilbert Tobis, husband to a Nampa day care operator in Canyon County, Idaho confessed to touching three girls in a sexual way. This guilty plea was made in exchange for dropping two other counts of lewd conduct with a minor. The maximum penalty for this crime is life in prison.

All child care workers should receive a criminal background check. This should include not only a state search but on that includes all 50 states. This may not be mandated by all state agencies, but it is your right as a parent to ask about criminal background checks.

Sexual abuse and molestation can occur in day care settings. Make sure you research your child's day care center focus on the rules and regulations. You can research if any reports of abuse or neglect have been lodge against your child's day care center. Check with your state regulating agency. In the State of Idaho the regulating agency is the Department of Health & Welfare Bureau of Family & Community Services. For more information on this topic see, Idaho Man Admits to Charge that he Sexually Molested Girl at Day Care Center.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Assistant Principal, Anthony Alvarez, 40, of Arvada High School, located in Arvada, Colorado, faces charges of sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust. It was reported that his wife caught Alvarez having an affair with a student and forced him to turn himself in.

Alvarez allegedly met the young girl when she was in 7th grade, and he was a teacher at Everitt Middle School in Wheat Ridge. Alverez said the young girl came onto him.
He claims this was a first time encounter and has never had sex with anyone under the age of 18 before.

When interviewed, the young girl said she and Alverez had been seeing each other for the past six to eight months. The young girl said he was inappropriate numerous times at school—grabbing her chest, butt, and showing off his erection. According to the girl, Alverez gave her a ride home one day, drove into the Landmark movie theatre parking lot, and made her rub his nipples, touch herself, and rub and lick his private area. The young girl claims she was scared, left when it was over, and called her parents.

Alvarez has been an assistant principal at Arvada High School since 2008. He has been with the Jeffco Public Schools District since 2000. The school district has placed him on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The school district sent a letter to all parents explaining Alverez’s charges as required by the Colorado Department of Education.

Mr. Alvarez will be entitled to representation from a Colorado criminal defense attorney or the public defender's office as to these criminal charges. The criminal case will be resolved either by trial, a plea agreement, or a dismissal depending on facts of the case and the strength of the evidence on the case.

Police have seized Alvarez's computer and cell phone as part of the investigation.
At his hearing, bond was set at $5,000. If he makes bond, Alvarez will not be allowed to use the Internet or a computer, will not be allowed to contact the victim, and will not be allowed to contact anyone under the age of 18.

Unfortunately, teacher-student sexual relations occur far too frequently. Parents should keep a close eye on their children by continuously asking questions and being involved in their lives. Hopefully, by simply being aware, a parent’s intuition can reveal a secret relationship. Parents should also try to educate their children on the importance of telling a parent or other authority figure if a teacher or adult is inappropriate.

School members and employees should observe the actions of all teachers very closely. Teachers and faculty members should keep in mind that this is an everyday occurrence, and they should look for any signs alluding to a student-teacher relationship.

For more information, see Wife Discovers Asst. Principal's Affair With Student

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A former Colorado day care center worker was sentenced to a term of 40 years in prison for molesting children. Benjamin Janicki, 20, was formally charged with assaulting a fourth child during his employment at Park Hill United Methodist Children’s Center. Janicki received the maximum prison sentence possible under his plea agreement: 40 years in prison followed by 10 –year sex offender supervised parole and a 12-year suspended sentence on lesser accounts. Denver District Court Judge Shelly Gilman issued the sentence.

During his sentencing, Janiki gave an unusual speech where he denied that he sexually abused nine preschoolers at a Park Hill children’s center last summer. The speech, called “rambling” by the judge, helped cement his sentence, and prompted the defense counsel to urge a psychological evaluation. Janicki said about the children, "I worked my butt off day in and day out to help them. I allowed myself to forgive them whenever they harmed me or crushed me. I didn’t want anything from [the children] other than their respect.” According to one parent, his speech was the most painful part of the proceedings.

The defense attorneys said that Janicki suffered from ongoing mental issues such as severe depression and suicidal thoughts. They pointed out that he was in intense denial of his crimes, but said he could be rehabilitated with treatment and medication. Gillman said Janicki showed little potential to be rehabilitated in the future because he lacked any acceptance of responsibility and was unable to empathize with the victim or show remorse. For more information on this topic, see Daycare worker Janicki sentenced to 40 years for sexually abusing preschoolers.

By Kevin Leach, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Facebook is one of the most popular sites in the world, claiming over 400 million users. It is a great way to stay in touch with friends and family, but headlines suggest that minors may become victims of sexual solicitation from fake “friends.”

In Louisa County, James A. Dollins of Gordonsville, Virginia was indicted on charges of electronically soliciting minors for sex and soliciting child pornography. According to a criminal investigation, Dollins, 42, pretended to be a 19-year-old University of Virginia female college student and asked boys to send him naked pictures on Facebook.

According to investigators, a parent called the Louisa Sheriff’s Office and claimed that a 19-year-old UVA student contacted her son and asked the child to text “her” nude pictures of himself. An investigation revealed that the 19-year-old female was a persona created by Dollins. A search of Dollins home linked discovered items and documents to the fake profile of “Kelly Redkin.” Investigators said that Dollins had been soliciting several teenage boys for sex and nude pictures in Louisa, Henrico and Chesterfield Counties, starting in 2010.

Dollins was initially charged with two counts of solicitation for child pornography in June. The additional indictments were issued recently by a Louisa Grand Jury. For more information on this topic, see Police: Man poses on Facebook as Virginia college coed, contacts teenage boys for porn and sex.

By John Jensen, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A former Asheville, North Carolina day care worker has been sentenced to at least 19 years in state prison. 46-year-old Michael Roy Carter began molesting a girl when she was 3-years-old, the abuse continued for almost a decade. According to the lawsuit, Carter's attention was drawn to the victim recently after she was enrolled at Rainbow Child Care in 1989, an Asheville day care center that is no nonexistent. The lawsuit claims Carter would take the victim into the bathroom, fondle her, performed a sex act on her and forced her to perform one on him. The suit also names Carter's wife, Angela P. Carter, and his parents, who owned the center. The suit alleges each conspired with Carter to hide his serial abuse of the children at the center. Carter would persuade the victim's mother to allow her to stay over night with Carter at his home he shared with his wife. The lawsuit alleges Carter began to molest and rape the victim when she was about 11-years-old. Once the victim reached the age of fourteen, she ceased contact with Carter to develop relationships with friends, fellow students and her peers. Carter continued to contact the victim via email and telephone calls. According to the lawsuit, one email stated, "I still love you more than anything ... I know in your heart you still care but I don't understand why we can't talk." The victim began to seek counseling for sexual abuse in September 2008. Through her extensive therapy, the victim finally reported the abuse to police, which prompted the investigation and, ultimately, Carter's arrest and criminal conviction. The facility was shut down in the early 1990s, however records don't indicate the reason it closed. Carter pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree statutory rape. Carter was sentenced to 230-285 months in state prison and will be required to register as a sex offender after his release from prison. For more details please read Former Asheville day care employee gets 19 years after serially abusing a child at the care center.

By Steven Smith, Attorney & David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Police have charged a teen with sexually abusing children at a Seneca County New York day care center. According to the Seneca County Sheriff’s Department, a 14-year-old boy has been charged with juvenile delinquency for committing acts that would amount to seven counts of child abuse and seven counts of endangering the welfare of a child if he were an adult. Deputies allege the teen had sexual contact with several children on several different dates over the last nine months; the boys range in age from six to nine-years-old. The day care center has not been identified, but investigators said it is located on the south end of Seneca County. Seneca County Child Protective Services and the State Office of Children and Family Services are working in conjunction with the Seneca County Sheriff’s Department during the investigation.

A juvenile sexual offender is defined as “a youth, from puberty to the legal age of majority, who commits any sexual act with a person of any age, against the victims will, without consent, or in an aggressive, exploitive or threatening manner.” During the last decade, many clinicians began recognizing and addressing the seriousness of juvenile sexual offenses. Studies have shown that most incarcerated adult sex offenders began committing sexual crimes during their early adolescence. More recently, the increased awareness of the number of molestations committed by teens has alerted the child abuse community for the need to intervene with juvenile offenders.

For more information on this topic, see Deputies say teen sexually abused kids at Seneca Co. day care.

By Will Brown, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Sheriff Pat Kelly and the Athens County Sheriff’s Office have been investigating claims as to sexual groping at two local at home day care centers. Children of six families claimed t hat a 72-year-old man had inappropriate contact with their children in Athens County. The day care centers are located in the Dover Township and Trimble areas.

The alleged victims are all under five years old. The Sheriff’s Office has identified a person of interest. This person is not an employee of either of the day care centers. Kelly said that currently the charges consist of ‘just petting and groping’ of the children. There are no acts that qualify as a more serious charge such as rape, though that is possible if more information is revealed, said Kelly. Kelly is not releasing the identity of the person of interest because no formal charges have been filed.

According to Kelly, the investigators are awaiting the return of a DNA evidence analysis by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. However, he would not say what type of physical evidence was being tested. The person of interest has been told to stay away from the Ohio day care centers until the investigation is over. For more information on this topic, see Sheriff looks into allegations at 2 daycares.

By Will Brown Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Athens County Sheriff’s Office has been investigating allegations that a 72-year-old man inappropriately touched six children at day care centers in Athens County. The police and Children Services were first notified when a mother of two teenage girls said that the man groped her daughters at a store connected to a home day care center.

Sheriff Patrick Kelly said that they identified a person of interest and an investigation has been launched. The police have been questioning parents and owners of two day care centers. More families have come forward alleging that the same man had inappropriate contact with their children; the children are all under the age of five. Sheriff Kelly said that all of the children attended one of two home day care centers located on state Route 13 in Dover Township, Ohio. The families came forward and asked the police to investigate the situation. Two of the alleged victims are two-years old and two are four-years-old, said Kelly.

According to the police, the person of interest is not allowed to have contact with the day care centers during the investigation. Both of the day care centers are with 100 yards of each other, and the person of interest has contact with both, said Kelly. Parents with children who were or are enrolled in the day care center have been notified about the ongoing investigation and have been assured that safeguards are in place to keep the man away from the facilities. For more information on this topic, see Man Alleged To Have Molested 6 Kids At Daycare Centers.

By James Bailey, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A Delaware pediatrician was found guilty of child abuse and rape of his patients. Earl Bradley, 58, was accused of raping and assaulting more than 100 girls that he treated. He was convicted of 24 counts of rape, assault and sexual exploitation in Sussex Superior Court.

The verdict did not come as a surprise. The evidence of the alleged acts included videos that Bradley recorded of himself. His lawyers are expected to appeal an earlier ruling from Judge William Carpenter Jr. that the videos were admissible. According to a state police detective who viewed the videos and testified at trial, Bradley engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct with young girls. Police also testified that the videos showed children in diapers trying to escape in an outbuilding at Bradley’s office, and Bradley using nitrous oxide to sedate a 7-year-old girl during his attack. Bradley faces life in prison for each count and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 26, 2011.

It may be difficult for a parent to discern if there has been child abuse between their child and physician. Looking for the following warning signs can help a parent increase their awareness and detect instances of child abuse.

- If the doctor tries to be completely alone with your child during the visit.
- If your child complains about the doctor inappropriately touching them.
- If you notice a change in your child’s behavior when you take them to the doctor.
- If you notice odd bruising around your child’s body shortly after the visit.

For more information, see Deleware ex-pediatrician guilty of child sex abuse.

By Scott Marks, Attorney & David Wolf, Attorney Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

An emotional bond often develops between a teacher and their students. Especially during the adolescent years, teens often confide in their teachers and consider them to be a role model. However, some adults may take advantage of that special bond if a child is vulnerable.

In El Cajon, California, a karate instructor was sentenced to 26 years in California State Prison for allegedly engaging in a 10 month sexual relationship with one of his male students. The perpetrator was Eric Dylan Protas, 38. Protas was also required to register as a sex offender. John Philpott, the Deputy District Attorney said that the defendant molested the victim from August 2009 to May 2010, when the boy was 13 and 14.

The victim testified at trial about his sexual encounters with Protas, the owner/operator of the Allied Gardens School of Martial Arts on Waring Road. The boy testified that he first met Protas in an after school program when he was in kindergarten, and later began taking martial arts classes at the studio when he was older. The boy also said that he confided in Protas, which launched a personal relationship in which they got together almost every day.

The family said they are satisfied with the sentence given to the California karate teacher. The victim’s uncle, Jeff Krebs, said "Twenty-six is enough to keep him (Protas) away, keep the rest of the community safe. It is not so much a punishment, but keeping him out of the community. I think we're satisfied with that." For more information on this topic, see karate teacher gets 26 years for sex with student.

By David Wolf, Attorney Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A former Olympia, Washington day care worker, Elisha Tabor, 20, pleaded guilty to molesting a five-year-old child in the child’s home and molesting a four-year-old child while at work. As part of the plea bargain, Tabor pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree child rape and two counts of first-degree child molestation. The Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office dismissed one count of first-degree child rape and a count of first-degree child molestation in exchange for the guilty plea. John Skinder, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, said that he will recommend that Tabor serve 18 years to life in prison. Tabor’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 7 at 10:30 a.m.

Tabor worked at the Olympia Early Learning Center’s McPhee Road site on Olympia’s west side from May 2008 until January 2011. Tabor admitted that he raped and molested the five-year-old boy while acting as his babysitter. Prosecuting Attorney Skinder said that during Tabor’s sexual deviancy evaluation, Tabor told the psychologist that he molested the four-year-old.

The Early Learning Center’s McPhee Road site has been closed since mid-April. The Washington child care center is being investigated by the state Department of Early Learning (DEL) for a complaint made in January that the center failed to report an allegation of child abuse at the school. According to a DEL spokeswoman, the McPhee Road site’s license is inactive and was placed on the department’s do-not-refer list in February. Read more at ex-Olympia day care worker guilty of child rape.

By Joni J. Franklin, Attorney & David Wolf, Attorney Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Douglas County Judge, Sally Pokorny ordered Richard Gonzalex, 69, to serve 25 years to life in prison for allegedly molesting a four-year-old girl. According to prosecutors, the girl alleged the acts occurred several times over a six week period in 2009.

The Chief Assistant District Attorney, Amy McGowan, read a letter from the girls’ parents in court asking the judge to give Gonzalez two consecutive life sentences; the parents feared that the crimes would affect her as she grew older. The parents said in the letter, “that is something that will be with her for a life time”.

The defense asked Judge Pokorny to sentence Gonzalex to serve 75 months in prison because of his age and lack of prior criminal history. The Kansas criminal defense attorney argued a life sentence was unconstitutional, but Judge Pokorny based her ruling on Jessica’s Law. The Kansas Legislature passed Jessica’s Law, which attaches potential life sentences to child sex crimes because child victims are the most vulnerable people and often do not have the vocabulary to speak out about the abuse. Pokorny looked at the physical injuries as well as the ongoing psychological injury. She said, “It is a harsh punishment for a terrible crime.”

Gonzalez was living at the time on the property home to Miles of Smiles Child Daycare Center. It was operated by his daughter, located southwest of Lawrence. The day care center closed in July 2010, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment records. Gonzalez is expected to appeal the verdict and sentence. For more information on this topic, see Lawrence man, 69, ordered to 25 years to life for molesting 4-year-old at day care center.

By Joni J. Franklin, Attorney & David Wolf, Attorney Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

The number of victims of child sexual abuse and molestation grows each year. According to the U.S. Justice Department, roughly 32% of girls and 14% of boys are molested before the age of 18. In addition, nearly 2/3 of all sexual assaults reported involved minors and roughly 1/3 involved children under the age of 12. In most cases, child molestation goes unreported. Estimates are that only 35% of sexual abuse is reported. The reason may be because kids are frightened or embarrassed to say anything.

Recently, Richard Gonzalez, 69, from Kansas was sentenced to prison for molesting a four- year-old girl at a rural Lawrence day care center in 2009. Prosecutors said he had molested the girl during nap times over several weeks at a day care center operated by his daughter. In January, Gonzalez was convicted of aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated indecent liberties with a child. Douglas County District Judge Sally Pokorny sentenced him to serve 25 years to life on each count. The judge described the sentence as a “harsh punishment for a terrible crime.”

Perpetrators of child sexual abuse and molestation come from all different age groups, race, gender and socio economic backgrounds. One common factor in all cases is that children often know and trust their abusers. For more information on this topic, see Kansas man, 69, sentenced for molesting 4-year-old girl at Lawrence day care center.

By Jonathan Safran, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Sexual harassment in schools is unwanted and unwelcome sexual behavior that interferes with a student’s right to receive an education. The problem is more prevalent than you might think because most students who become victims are too embarrassed or scared to report sexual harassment. Sexually harassing behaviors range from words (written or spoken) and gestures to unwanted physical contact that can cause a substantial interference with a student’s schoolwork or ability to participate in extracurricular activities. Some instances of sexual harassment may also be criminal acts such as assault, rape, and child abuse.

Sexual harassment is against the law. The federal law that prohibits sexual harassment in schools is Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits any person, on the basis of sex, to be subjected to discrimination in an educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Most states also have laws that prohibit sexual harassment in education.

Ryan Zellner, 32, a former Wisconsin social studies teacher and girl’s basketball coach was sentenced to 15 years in prison and another 18 years on probation for having sexual relations with female students. He was convicted of having inappropriate relations with 11 girls while teaching and coaching at Green Bay Southwest, West De Pere, and Kiel high schools over the past 8 years. One victim testified at Zellner's hearing, “Nearly every relationship I’ve been in has been ruined because of the walls that I put up because of him.” Manitowoc County Judge Darryl Deets said Zellner’s crime was severe and deserved a severe punishment. For more information on his sentencing, see Ryan- Zellner to be sentenced today.

By Robert Chaiken, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Colorado and other States, parents put faith and trust in both their church and day care center. Parents expect that the church day care center is a safe haven for their children and that there children will be provided with a learning environment that promotes the health, welfare, and education of the children. Unfortunately, in some day care centers in Colorado and other States, children are sexually molested and assaulted by day care workers and employees who are supposed to supervise and protect the children under their care. The molestation at a church day care center is among the most heinous acts and crimes imaginable for a parent.

In Denver, Colorado, it was reported that Benjamin Janicki recently entered a plea of guilty to charges of attempted sexual on a child and first degree assault. The criminal prosecution stemmed from the allegations that several pre-school aged children were molested at Park Hill United. Janicki will face a prison sentence of 20 to 40 years for these crimes. For more information on this story, see Plea Deal Announced in Church Day Care Molestation Case.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Dennis Devlin, 57, a former Florida hotel owner, pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a 13-year-old boy. Devlin will spend at least 15 years in federal prison. Devlin is the former owner of the Desert Inn in Daytona Beach, Florida. Federal agents found an iPhone hidden in the bathroom ceiling of his second-floor hotel that contained sexually explicit images of the boy. A former employee of Devlin's, 20-year-old Michael Ehmen, also pleaded guilty to the same federal charge. Ehmen admitted he recruited the boy, took him to the hotel for Devlin's enjoyment, and received $100 for his recruitment. Police stated Ehmen also had sex (molested the boy) with Devlin for money and the two had an arrangement that Ehmen would bring "new people to visit [Devlin]" for more. Ehmen recruited the boy, the son of a friend, to help install security cameras at the hotel. On the way to the hotel Ehmen told the teenager Devlin would pay him to pose nude. Prosecutors said on a second visit to the hotel video was taken of Ehmen and the minor performing sexual acts together and spanking each other on Devlin's bed. Devlin has a long history of sex-related charges in Volusia County and elsewhere. In 1988, 13 sex-related charges were dropped against him by prosecutors in Ocean View, Maryland. In 1993, he was charged with 23 crimes against a single boy; Devlin was convicted and spend 22 months in prison. However, in 2002 a judge overturned his conviction after the boy recanted his testimony as an adult. Federal agents seized the iPhone containing nude photos of the boy, as well as four DVD recordings of the boy and child porn in "several boxes" and on Devlin's business computer. Sentencing dates have not been set for Ehmen or Devlin, they each face the same time range in federal prison. For more read Former Florida hotel owner pleads guilty to sexual exploitation of a 13-year-old boy.

By Scott A. Marks, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A Fresno, California teenager was convicted of first-degree murder for molesting and drowning his 4-year-old neighbor and hiding the child's in a clothes dryer. Raul Castro was found guilty of lewd and lascivious conduct and sodomy, he was not found guilty of kidnapping. Castro was tried as an adult in the October 2009 killing of Alex Mercado. At the time of this California crime against a child, Castro was 14-years-old at the time. Castro confessed to sexually assaulting and killing Alex in taped interviews with detectives. Castro's attorney Barbara Hope O'Neill argued the teen was mentally ill and did not have the requisite intent to kill Alex. O'Neill based her argument on the testimony of a psychiatrist who said Castro was mentally ill and disassociated with reality. The prosecution challenged the psychiatrist's credibility and argued the murder was premeditated. A judge rendered his decision after Castro waived his right to a jury trial. Castro's sentencing is scheduled for June 24. For more read California teen convicted of first-degree murder after molesting and drowning his 4-year-old neighbor.