Police say an anonymous tip lead to the arrest of five people charged with abusing a 4-year-old boy who remains in critical condition at a hospital.
Authorities removed nine other children from the same Hattiesburg home.
The home, which neighbors describe as filthy with graffiti on the walls, was leased by 53-year-old Sue Miller and her 34-year-old daughter, Nancy Miller. They were charged Tuesday with felony child abuse along with Patricia Aguilar, 30; Francys Albertson, 20; and Christopher Lee, 37, all of Hattiesburg.
Police spokesman Synarus Green said the "child's body was covered with new and old bruises."
A medical exam showed he had cuts on his head and body, broken teeth and internal abdominal injuries.
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Pictures & More Information: http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/article/20091003/NEWS01/910030328/5-face-child-abuse-charges
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Polygamist Raymond Jessop in Court for Sexual Assault
A member of a polygamist sect, whose ranch state officials raided last year, is pleading not guilty to sexual assault of a child.
Raymond Jessop is one of 12 men of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints indicted after the April 2008 raid on their ranch. Jessop is the first to face trial.
The other eleven defendants from the raid on the will be tried seperately later this year.
Raymond Jessop is one of 12 men of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints indicted after the April 2008 raid on their ranch. Jessop is the first to face trial.
The other eleven defendants from the raid on the will be tried seperately later this year.
Michael Barnes Accused of Sexual Abuse
A former Catholic priest from North Carolina has been accused of sexually abusing a child in Ocean City more than 30 years ago.
Ocean City police say 64-year-old Michael Barnes of Haywood, N.C., has been arrested in his home state and is being held there. Police say they got a complaint about the abuse this spring and that the incidents took place between 1977 and 1982.
A Baltimore County man in his 40s filed a lawsuit against Barnes in Delaware in June. David Lorenz, a spokesman for the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, says the criminal charges relate to the same alleged victim.
Lorenz says Barnes abused the victim during trips to Ocean City and beaches in Delaware. He says he believes there are other victims.
The Archdiocese of Baltimore says Barnes was the associate pastor of an Essex parish during the time of the alleged abuse and that he left the priesthood in 1988.
Ocean City police say 64-year-old Michael Barnes of Haywood, N.C., has been arrested in his home state and is being held there. Police say they got a complaint about the abuse this spring and that the incidents took place between 1977 and 1982.
A Baltimore County man in his 40s filed a lawsuit against Barnes in Delaware in June. David Lorenz, a spokesman for the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, says the criminal charges relate to the same alleged victim.
Lorenz says Barnes abused the victim during trips to Ocean City and beaches in Delaware. He says he believes there are other victims.
The Archdiocese of Baltimore says Barnes was the associate pastor of an Essex parish during the time of the alleged abuse and that he left the priesthood in 1988.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Oscar Expinosa Arrested for Sexual Assault on Child
A 75-year-old Riverside County man has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a child, authorities said today.
Oscar Enrique Espinosa of San Jacinto allegedly lured the victim into an alley, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. The age and sex of the child were not disclosed.
Sheriff's deputies arrested Espinosa about 6 p.m. Wednesday after responding to a call about unknown trouble in an alley behind the 1400 block of South San Jacinto Street.
He was booked on suspicion of unlawful sexual acts with a child and aggravated sexual assault of a child.
Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call investigators at (951) 791-3423.
Oscar Enrique Espinosa of San Jacinto allegedly lured the victim into an alley, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. The age and sex of the child were not disclosed.
Sheriff's deputies arrested Espinosa about 6 p.m. Wednesday after responding to a call about unknown trouble in an alley behind the 1400 block of South San Jacinto Street.
He was booked on suspicion of unlawful sexual acts with a child and aggravated sexual assault of a child.
Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call investigators at (951) 791-3423.
Allen Ford Charged with Sexual Battery on Child
A Bedford County man has been charged with the aggravated sexual battery of a child under 12 and may face more charges involving other victims, according to the Bedford County Sheriff's Office.
Forest resident Allen Lee Ford, who turns 63 today, is being held in the Blue Ridge Regional Jail.
The charge stems from a sexual assault that authorities allege occurred in Ford's Bedford home in 1999, shortly after Ford moved to the county, Maj. Ricky Gardner said.
Bedford investigators began looking at Ford after they were contacted by investigators from Ashland and Campbell County on Wednesday regarding a possible child sexual exploitation case.
Ashland investigators said an adult claimed he had been sexually assaulted by a man identified as Ford prior to 1999, when the adult was still a juvenile, according to the Bedford sheriff's office.
A subsequent investigation by Ashland, Bedford, Campbell and the Southern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force found four more alleged victims of sexual assaults which may be linked to Ford. One of those assaults allegedly occurred in Ford's Bedford home in the spring of 1999.
Forest resident Allen Lee Ford, who turns 63 today, is being held in the Blue Ridge Regional Jail.
The charge stems from a sexual assault that authorities allege occurred in Ford's Bedford home in 1999, shortly after Ford moved to the county, Maj. Ricky Gardner said.
Bedford investigators began looking at Ford after they were contacted by investigators from Ashland and Campbell County on Wednesday regarding a possible child sexual exploitation case.
Ashland investigators said an adult claimed he had been sexually assaulted by a man identified as Ford prior to 1999, when the adult was still a juvenile, according to the Bedford sheriff's office.
A subsequent investigation by Ashland, Bedford, Campbell and the Southern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force found four more alleged victims of sexual assaults which may be linked to Ford. One of those assaults allegedly occurred in Ford's Bedford home in the spring of 1999.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Harold Whittle Arrested for Child Molestation
Maricopa County sheriff's detectives said they believe there may be more victims after a Queen Creek man was arrested Thursday on suspicion of molesting two girls, ages 3 and 6.Harold Whittle, 61, was booked on two counts of child molestation. He is being held without bond at the Fourth Avenue Jail.
Detectives said the investigation began Monday when the suspected molestations were reported.
As the probe widened, another victim living out of state came forward with similar allegations.
Detectives said Whittle, who is a grandfather of 16, was arrested in Utah in 2005 on charges of lascivious acts against a child living next door.
"This is the worst act against an innocent child a person can make," said Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio. "I don't care if he's a millionaire or if he has a private jet, he belongs in jail," says Arpaio.
Sheriff's investigators said there could be more potential victims. People with information about Whittle are urged to contact the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office at 602-876-1011.
Howard Dotson Jr Arrested on 96 Counts of Sexual Abuse
A 60-year-old Grand Junction man was held Friday on a $260,000 bond following his arrest on 96 counts related to rape and sexual assault on children.
Howard Dotson Jr. was arrested Monday by the Colorado State Patrol on suspicion of drunken driving, driving without a valid license, criminal impersonation and child abuse.
The child sex assault allegations are contained in a 12-year-old warrant issued in Boone County, W.V.
According to a grand jury indictment issued in 1997 in West Virginia, Dotson was charged with 56 counts of rape, 21 counts of first-degree sexual assault, and 20 counts of third-degree sexual assault.
The alleged crimes involved four female victims and the alleged assaults go back as far as the early 1970s. One of the victims was under age 10 when the alleged assaults began and continued into her adulthood, according to the indictment.
Howard Dotson Jr. was arrested Monday by the Colorado State Patrol on suspicion of drunken driving, driving without a valid license, criminal impersonation and child abuse.
The child sex assault allegations are contained in a 12-year-old warrant issued in Boone County, W.V.
According to a grand jury indictment issued in 1997 in West Virginia, Dotson was charged with 56 counts of rape, 21 counts of first-degree sexual assault, and 20 counts of third-degree sexual assault.
The alleged crimes involved four female victims and the alleged assaults go back as far as the early 1970s. One of the victims was under age 10 when the alleged assaults began and continued into her adulthood, according to the indictment.
Paul Bess Charged with Aggravated Sexual Battery
A Suffolk teacher's assistant is accused of sexually assaulting a 7-year-old child.
Police say Paul Andrew Bess, 59, turned himself following his indicment on charges of aggravated sexual battery and indecent liberties with a child.
Bess is alleged to have sexually assaulted the child at Nansemond Parkway Elementary School in June.
Bess is on admininstrative leave from his job there, according to officials.
He was hired by Suffolk Schools in August 2006 and a "successful background check was completed. He has since had exemplary evaluations,” according to spokeswoman Bethanne Bradshaw.
Bess is being held in Western Tidewater Regional Jail with no bond.
In a letter to parents Monday, principal Keith Hubbard said the Department of Social Services had conducted an investigation into this alleged incident in August and determined that the charges were unfounded.
He also made sure parents knew counselors are available if needed.
PRINCIPAL'S LETTER TO PARENTS:
October 5, 2009
Dear Parents & Guardians:
Student safety is a top priority in Suffolk Public Schools, and we want to keep families informed of situations as soon as we are able.
As you may be aware from media coverage, a teacher assistant here, Paul Bess, has been charged with aggravated sexual battery. The alleged incident was reported by a student to have happened in June during school hours. Because of the arrest, Bess has been placed on administrative leave until the allegations are resolved through the judicial system. At the time he was hired in August 2006, a successful background check was completed, and he has since had exemplary evaluations.
In August, the Department of Social Services conducted an investigation into this alleged incident and determined that the charges were unfounded.
I know as a parent such an allegation is troubling. The school works diligently to provide a quality education for all children, and to maintain a safe learning environment where students can trust the adults responsible for their care. In light of this incident, you might find an opportunity to talk with your child about these sensitive issues. If you feel your child would benefit from talking to a guidance counselor now or in the future, please call the school at 923-4167 and share your concerns.
Thank you for your concern and your efforts to keep Nansemond Parkway Elementary School a safe school.
Sincerely,
Keith Hubbard
Principal,
Nansemond Parkway Elementary School
--http://hamptonroads.com/2009/10/suffolk-teachers-aide-charged-sex-assault----------------------------
Police say Paul Andrew Bess, 59, turned himself following his indicment on charges of aggravated sexual battery and indecent liberties with a child.
Bess is alleged to have sexually assaulted the child at Nansemond Parkway Elementary School in June.
Bess is on admininstrative leave from his job there, according to officials.
He was hired by Suffolk Schools in August 2006 and a "successful background check was completed. He has since had exemplary evaluations,” according to spokeswoman Bethanne Bradshaw.
Bess is being held in Western Tidewater Regional Jail with no bond.
In a letter to parents Monday, principal Keith Hubbard said the Department of Social Services had conducted an investigation into this alleged incident in August and determined that the charges were unfounded.
He also made sure parents knew counselors are available if needed.
PRINCIPAL'S LETTER TO PARENTS:
October 5, 2009
Dear Parents & Guardians:
Student safety is a top priority in Suffolk Public Schools, and we want to keep families informed of situations as soon as we are able.
As you may be aware from media coverage, a teacher assistant here, Paul Bess, has been charged with aggravated sexual battery. The alleged incident was reported by a student to have happened in June during school hours. Because of the arrest, Bess has been placed on administrative leave until the allegations are resolved through the judicial system. At the time he was hired in August 2006, a successful background check was completed, and he has since had exemplary evaluations.
In August, the Department of Social Services conducted an investigation into this alleged incident and determined that the charges were unfounded.
I know as a parent such an allegation is troubling. The school works diligently to provide a quality education for all children, and to maintain a safe learning environment where students can trust the adults responsible for their care. In light of this incident, you might find an opportunity to talk with your child about these sensitive issues. If you feel your child would benefit from talking to a guidance counselor now or in the future, please call the school at 923-4167 and share your concerns.
Thank you for your concern and your efforts to keep Nansemond Parkway Elementary School a safe school.
Sincerely,
Keith Hubbard
Principal,
Nansemond Parkway Elementary School
--http://hamptonroads.com/2009/10/suffolk-teachers-aide-charged-sex-assault----------------------------
Charlene Stites Pleads No Contest to Sexual Assault of Child
Charlene Stites likely will be heading to jail when she is sentenced in December after pleading "no contest" Thursday to repeated sexual assault of a child.
Stites, 43, of Manitowoc, also pleaded no contest to two of the three counts of felony bail jumping with which she was charged. The third count was dismissed, though she acknowledged responsibility for that count and it may be considered during sentencing.
The county will complete a pre-sentence investigation and a psychological evaluation of Stites in preparation for the Dec. 22 sentencing hearing.
As part of Stites' plea agreement, Assistant District Attorney Jerilyn Dietz said she will recommend no more than five years' imprisonment for the repeated sexual assault of a child charge, followed by six to seven years' probation for the bail jumping felonies.
Stites is one of six in her family to be charged with a sex-related felony stemming from a police investigation earlier this year.
Her husband, Michael Stites, was sentenced earlier this month to 45 years in prison, which includes 20 years in Brown County after revocation of the probation he was on following a 1999 sexual assault of the then-14-year-old babysitter of his children, and 25 years in Manitowoc County after being convicted of sexually assaulting two more young female victims.
Judge Darryl Deets, reading the criminal complaint, indicated on Thursday that Charlene Stites took part in some of the sexual assaults committed by her husband, Michael Stites. The no-contest plea means she admits to having engaged in sexual contact with a now-17-year-old girl at least three times in 2008.
She also is convicted of writing letters to Michael Stites while he was in jail. Part of her bail agreement was that she not contact any known sex offender, which included Michael Stites.
Her attorney, Charles Wingrove, indicated during the hearing that Charlene Stites agreed to the maximum probation sentence for the felony bail jumping convictions because of the nature of the sexual assault charge.
"These are very serious charges, deeply disturbing," Wingrove said.
The sexual assault charge carries a maximum 25 years' initial imprisonment and 15 years' extended supervision, but Dietz said she will recommend no more than five years in jail.
Stites, 43, of Manitowoc, also pleaded no contest to two of the three counts of felony bail jumping with which she was charged. The third count was dismissed, though she acknowledged responsibility for that count and it may be considered during sentencing.
The county will complete a pre-sentence investigation and a psychological evaluation of Stites in preparation for the Dec. 22 sentencing hearing.
As part of Stites' plea agreement, Assistant District Attorney Jerilyn Dietz said she will recommend no more than five years' imprisonment for the repeated sexual assault of a child charge, followed by six to seven years' probation for the bail jumping felonies.
Stites is one of six in her family to be charged with a sex-related felony stemming from a police investigation earlier this year.
Her husband, Michael Stites, was sentenced earlier this month to 45 years in prison, which includes 20 years in Brown County after revocation of the probation he was on following a 1999 sexual assault of the then-14-year-old babysitter of his children, and 25 years in Manitowoc County after being convicted of sexually assaulting two more young female victims.
Judge Darryl Deets, reading the criminal complaint, indicated on Thursday that Charlene Stites took part in some of the sexual assaults committed by her husband, Michael Stites. The no-contest plea means she admits to having engaged in sexual contact with a now-17-year-old girl at least three times in 2008.
She also is convicted of writing letters to Michael Stites while he was in jail. Part of her bail agreement was that she not contact any known sex offender, which included Michael Stites.
Her attorney, Charles Wingrove, indicated during the hearing that Charlene Stites agreed to the maximum probation sentence for the felony bail jumping convictions because of the nature of the sexual assault charge.
"These are very serious charges, deeply disturbing," Wingrove said.
The sexual assault charge carries a maximum 25 years' initial imprisonment and 15 years' extended supervision, but Dietz said she will recommend no more than five years in jail.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Elizabeth Smart Testifies How She Was Raped
Taking the stand for the first time since she was snatched from her girlhood bedroom seven years ago, Elizabeth Smart testified Thursday that her captor raped her three or four times a day, kept her tied up with a cable around her leg, and threatened to kill her if she tried to escape.
Asked by a prosecutor to describe Brian David Mitchell, the self-described prophet accused of holding her captive for nine months, Smart replied: "Evil, wicked, manipulative, stinky, slimy, greedy, selfish, not spiritual, not religious, not close to God."
Smart, now a 21-year-old college student, gave her horrifying account in federal court as part of a proceeding over whether Mitchell is mentally competent to stand trial.
The 55-year-old one-time street preacher has been behind bars since 2003 — mostly in a state mental hospital — but has yet to stand trial. Twice he has been ruled mentally incompetent in state court, and he has often demonstrated bizarre behavior, including incessantly singing hymns in the courtroom and once yelling at a judge to repent.
Smart testified that within hours of her 2002 kidnapping at knifepoint, she was led away to a secluded mountain campsite and in a quickie ceremony became the polygamous "wife" of the older man.
"After that he proceeded to rape me," Smart said, sharing for the first time publicly her account of the ordeal.
She said Mitchell showed her pornography and plied her with alcohol and drugs to lower her resistance to his sexual advances. Once, Smart said, she tried to fight Mitchell off by biting him.
On the stand for nearly two hours, Smart was poised, her voice never wavering. She did not come face-to-face with her alleged tormenter. Mitchell was removed from the courtroom for disruptive behavior — singing hymns — before Smart arrived, and watched the proceedings from a holding cell.
A federal judge ruled earlier this week that Smart's testimony is relevant to the question of Mitchell's competency. Mitchell's competency hearing is not set to begin until Nov. 30, but Smart testified early because she is going on a religious mission for the Mormon church in Paris.
Smart was 14 when she was abducted from her bedroom in the middle of the night. In a surprising turn that transfixed the country, she was rescued in March 2003 after a motorist spotted her walking the streets of a Salt Lake City suburb with Mitchell and his wife, Wanda Eileen Barzee.
Smart testified that in the days immediately following the kidnapping, Mitchell held her captive with the help of a 10-foot cable bolted to her leg and tethered to a line stretched between two trees. She said Mitchell threatened to kill her if she yelled or tried to get away.
Smart said Mitchell would rape her three to four times a day. There was some respite — usually when Barzee became upset over Mitchell's relationship with Smart — but it never lasted, Smart said.
Mitchell is charged in state court with kidnapping and sexual assault. Last year, he was indicted on federal charges of kidnapping and transporting a minor across state lines. In both the state and federal cases, experts have split over Mitchell's competency.
Mitchell's lawyers maintain he is incompetent and suggested that evidence of his delusions can be found in his religious rambling and writings, including a 27-page manifesto he called "The Book of Emmanuel David Isaiah."
Smart said he read from the book repeatedly during her captivity, often sang hymns and laced his conversations with religious language. Throughout her captivity, Smart was forced to wear a white, ankle-length robe, a head scarf and two veils across her face.
"He told me he was a prophet," Smart said under cross-examination by Mitchell's lawyer. "He said he was the voice of God on Earth and that he would reign over God's children until Jesus came."
But she also said his religious revelations seemed to come only when he wanted something, or when he was trying to calm Barzee. Smart said she believed Mitchell always knew that he could be punished for her kidnapping and understood how the court system worked.
She said he gave her an alias — Augustine Marshall — and told her what to say to police if they were ever questioned. He also bragged about skirting previous accusations of sexual abuse and fooling others, Smart said.
Never in nine months did Mitchell appear confused or out of control, Smart testified: "He was a very capable, intelligent human being."
Asked by a prosecutor to describe Brian David Mitchell, the self-described prophet accused of holding her captive for nine months, Smart replied: "Evil, wicked, manipulative, stinky, slimy, greedy, selfish, not spiritual, not religious, not close to God."
Smart, now a 21-year-old college student, gave her horrifying account in federal court as part of a proceeding over whether Mitchell is mentally competent to stand trial.
The 55-year-old one-time street preacher has been behind bars since 2003 — mostly in a state mental hospital — but has yet to stand trial. Twice he has been ruled mentally incompetent in state court, and he has often demonstrated bizarre behavior, including incessantly singing hymns in the courtroom and once yelling at a judge to repent.
Smart testified that within hours of her 2002 kidnapping at knifepoint, she was led away to a secluded mountain campsite and in a quickie ceremony became the polygamous "wife" of the older man.
"After that he proceeded to rape me," Smart said, sharing for the first time publicly her account of the ordeal.
She said Mitchell showed her pornography and plied her with alcohol and drugs to lower her resistance to his sexual advances. Once, Smart said, she tried to fight Mitchell off by biting him.
On the stand for nearly two hours, Smart was poised, her voice never wavering. She did not come face-to-face with her alleged tormenter. Mitchell was removed from the courtroom for disruptive behavior — singing hymns — before Smart arrived, and watched the proceedings from a holding cell.
A federal judge ruled earlier this week that Smart's testimony is relevant to the question of Mitchell's competency. Mitchell's competency hearing is not set to begin until Nov. 30, but Smart testified early because she is going on a religious mission for the Mormon church in Paris.
Smart was 14 when she was abducted from her bedroom in the middle of the night. In a surprising turn that transfixed the country, she was rescued in March 2003 after a motorist spotted her walking the streets of a Salt Lake City suburb with Mitchell and his wife, Wanda Eileen Barzee.
Smart testified that in the days immediately following the kidnapping, Mitchell held her captive with the help of a 10-foot cable bolted to her leg and tethered to a line stretched between two trees. She said Mitchell threatened to kill her if she yelled or tried to get away.
Smart said Mitchell would rape her three to four times a day. There was some respite — usually when Barzee became upset over Mitchell's relationship with Smart — but it never lasted, Smart said.
Mitchell is charged in state court with kidnapping and sexual assault. Last year, he was indicted on federal charges of kidnapping and transporting a minor across state lines. In both the state and federal cases, experts have split over Mitchell's competency.
Mitchell's lawyers maintain he is incompetent and suggested that evidence of his delusions can be found in his religious rambling and writings, including a 27-page manifesto he called "The Book of Emmanuel David Isaiah."
Smart said he read from the book repeatedly during her captivity, often sang hymns and laced his conversations with religious language. Throughout her captivity, Smart was forced to wear a white, ankle-length robe, a head scarf and two veils across her face.
"He told me he was a prophet," Smart said under cross-examination by Mitchell's lawyer. "He said he was the voice of God on Earth and that he would reign over God's children until Jesus came."
But she also said his religious revelations seemed to come only when he wanted something, or when he was trying to calm Barzee. Smart said she believed Mitchell always knew that he could be punished for her kidnapping and understood how the court system worked.
She said he gave her an alias — Augustine Marshall — and told her what to say to police if they were ever questioned. He also bragged about skirting previous accusations of sexual abuse and fooling others, Smart said.
Never in nine months did Mitchell appear confused or out of control, Smart testified: "He was a very capable, intelligent human being."
One-Month-Old Dies After Being Beaten by Teenage Father
A 1-month-old infant, whom Brownsville police said was beaten to death by his teenage father, has died from severe head trauma.
According to the preliminary autopsy results, Marco Avila also had several fractures of the head, blood on the brain, two broken ribs, a broken left clavicle bone and numerous contusions throughout the face and on the body.
“This all indicates that this 1-month-old child was basically beaten to death at the hands of his father, Israel Avila,” said police spokesman Sgt. Jimmy Manrrique. “This was no accident. This was a deliberate violent beating of a 1-month-old baby.”
Avila, 17, was arrested Monday afternoon and later charged with capital murder because the child was under 6 years old. On Tuesday morning Municipal Judge Rene De Coss set Avila’s bond at $1million and sent him to Carrizalez-Rucker Detention Center.
On Monday morning, Avila and his common-law wife took the baby to Valley Regional Medical Center-Brownsville, where physicians examining the baby found signs of abuse and called police, Manrrique said. The child then was transported to Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen where he was pronounced dead at 3:47 p.m., he added.
“We are still working on the investigation; we are working with CPS (Child Protective Services) investigating the role the mother had in the case,” the spokesman said. “Indication is that she had no knowledge of the abuse. However, CPS still has to conduct further investigation to make sure the mother or other people didn’t have knowledge of abuse.”
As of now, the beating of the child looks to be an isolated incident with no previous signs of abuse, Manrrique said.
“They (Avila and the child’s mother) had a rough night,” he said. “The child had been crying the whole night and through his own admission, he (Avila) was extremely frustrated and he lost it.”
When approached on Wednesday morning, family members asked for understanding and privacy in their time of sorrow.
According to the preliminary autopsy results, Marco Avila also had several fractures of the head, blood on the brain, two broken ribs, a broken left clavicle bone and numerous contusions throughout the face and on the body.
“This all indicates that this 1-month-old child was basically beaten to death at the hands of his father, Israel Avila,” said police spokesman Sgt. Jimmy Manrrique. “This was no accident. This was a deliberate violent beating of a 1-month-old baby.”
Avila, 17, was arrested Monday afternoon and later charged with capital murder because the child was under 6 years old. On Tuesday morning Municipal Judge Rene De Coss set Avila’s bond at $1million and sent him to Carrizalez-Rucker Detention Center.
On Monday morning, Avila and his common-law wife took the baby to Valley Regional Medical Center-Brownsville, where physicians examining the baby found signs of abuse and called police, Manrrique said. The child then was transported to Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen where he was pronounced dead at 3:47 p.m., he added.
“We are still working on the investigation; we are working with CPS (Child Protective Services) investigating the role the mother had in the case,” the spokesman said. “Indication is that she had no knowledge of the abuse. However, CPS still has to conduct further investigation to make sure the mother or other people didn’t have knowledge of abuse.”
As of now, the beating of the child looks to be an isolated incident with no previous signs of abuse, Manrrique said.
“They (Avila and the child’s mother) had a rough night,” he said. “The child had been crying the whole night and through his own admission, he (Avila) was extremely frustrated and he lost it.”
When approached on Wednesday morning, family members asked for understanding and privacy in their time of sorrow.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Patrick Leithead Arrested for Molesting 13-year-old at Park
A DeKalb County man remained jailed Tuesday, more than a week after being arrested for allegedly molesting a 13-year-old girl in a restroom at Stone Mountain Park.
Patrick Paul Leithead, 36, of Stone Mountain, was arrested on Sept. 20 and charged with aggravated child molestation, according to DeKalb jail records. He is being held without bond.
According to WSB-TV, Leithead was arrested after an off-duty DeKalb sheriff's deputy caught the suspect in a bathroom stall with the girl.
"I saw a gentleman's feet sticking from under the first stall," Deputy Ruth Stringer told the television station. "The child sounded like he or she was in distress."
When Stringer yelled at the suspect, he let the girl go. While Stringer checked on the girl, an off-duty GBI agent, Sara Thomas, detained Leithead until park police arrived, WSB-TV reported.
Kirsi Nadzeika Charged with Assault and Battery on Child
A 43-year-old Mashpee woman accused of seriously assaulting her 4-week-old baby boy — including flailing him around the room while holding onto his leg — was arraigned in Falmouth District Court yesterday.
Kirsi Nadzeika of 11 Periwinkle Lane was charged with domestic assault and battery, two counts of assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, and assault and battery on a child with injury, after police found her assaulting and attempting to smother her son, Nathan Nadzeika.
Legal history
Kirsi Nadzeika has a record of convictions and 10 aliases, court documents state.
She was held on $100,000 cash bail at the Barnstable County Correctional Facility.
The child was "significantly injured," the court documents state, and Nadzeika has a "prior record of violence."
According to court documents, Nadzeika was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine at the time of the alleged assault.
A spokesman from the Mashpee Fire Department said the baby was taken to Falmouth Hospital, but his condition was not known. A spokeswoman from Cape Cod Healthcare said the child was taken to another facility, but that could not be confirmed last night.
According to Police Chief Rodney Collins, officers were called to a domestic disturbance involving a child at Nadzeika's home at 12:59 a.m. yesterday. When they arrived, officers Ollie Naas and Ralph Mahoney heard screaming and entered the house.
In the kitchen, they found Leslie Brown, later identified as Nadzeika's boyfriend, on the kitchen floor trying to restrain a partially nude Nadzeika, who was holding the baby boy, Collins said. Furniture was overturned, and the floor was littered with household items.
The officers told Brown to step away from her, which he did, Collins said. They saw that the baby was bleeding from the mouth and had multiple injuries to his body. The officers told Nadzeika to move away from the baby, but she refused, according to the police, and tried to smother him.
The officers struggled with Nadzeika, Collins said. She squeezed the baby's right leg and stood up, flailing the baby's body around with "great force." Mahoney pried the baby free and Naas stopped him from hitting the ground.
Nadzeika continued to resist arrest, Collins said. She yelled Latin and religious phrases and told Mahoney he was "the devil."
Nadzeika had allegedly consumed wine and cocaine, according to court documents. Collins said that he could not immediately comment on how that was determined but said that she was obviously "high."
"Obviously it was an intense situation," Collins said. "The officers showed tremendous restraint and did a commendable job in an unfortunate set of circumstances."
Nadzeika has a record of convictions and 10 aliases, court documents state. She also has a history of not showing up for court appearances.
She was held on $100,000 cash bail at the Barnstable County Correctional Facility. She is scheduled for a Nov. 10 pretrial conference.
Kirsi Nadzeika of 11 Periwinkle Lane was charged with domestic assault and battery, two counts of assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, and assault and battery on a child with injury, after police found her assaulting and attempting to smother her son, Nathan Nadzeika.
Legal history
Kirsi Nadzeika has a record of convictions and 10 aliases, court documents state.
She was held on $100,000 cash bail at the Barnstable County Correctional Facility.
The child was "significantly injured," the court documents state, and Nadzeika has a "prior record of violence."
According to court documents, Nadzeika was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine at the time of the alleged assault.
A spokesman from the Mashpee Fire Department said the baby was taken to Falmouth Hospital, but his condition was not known. A spokeswoman from Cape Cod Healthcare said the child was taken to another facility, but that could not be confirmed last night.
According to Police Chief Rodney Collins, officers were called to a domestic disturbance involving a child at Nadzeika's home at 12:59 a.m. yesterday. When they arrived, officers Ollie Naas and Ralph Mahoney heard screaming and entered the house.
In the kitchen, they found Leslie Brown, later identified as Nadzeika's boyfriend, on the kitchen floor trying to restrain a partially nude Nadzeika, who was holding the baby boy, Collins said. Furniture was overturned, and the floor was littered with household items.
The officers told Brown to step away from her, which he did, Collins said. They saw that the baby was bleeding from the mouth and had multiple injuries to his body. The officers told Nadzeika to move away from the baby, but she refused, according to the police, and tried to smother him.
The officers struggled with Nadzeika, Collins said. She squeezed the baby's right leg and stood up, flailing the baby's body around with "great force." Mahoney pried the baby free and Naas stopped him from hitting the ground.
Nadzeika continued to resist arrest, Collins said. She yelled Latin and religious phrases and told Mahoney he was "the devil."
Nadzeika had allegedly consumed wine and cocaine, according to court documents. Collins said that he could not immediately comment on how that was determined but said that she was obviously "high."
"Obviously it was an intense situation," Collins said. "The officers showed tremendous restraint and did a commendable job in an unfortunate set of circumstances."
Nadzeika has a record of convictions and 10 aliases, court documents state. She also has a history of not showing up for court appearances.
She was held on $100,000 cash bail at the Barnstable County Correctional Facility. She is scheduled for a Nov. 10 pretrial conference.
Tach Van Truong Wanted for Indecent Exposure & Molestation
A 44-year-old man has been accused of a sex act in front of a 2-year-old boy, and authorities today are asking for the public's help in identifying more victims.
Tach Van Truong pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges of indecent exposure and annoying or molesting a child. Authorities allege Truong was in front of a 2-year-old boy who was playing outside his home on Sept 23.
Officials with the Orange County Sheriff's Department said a similar incident occurred on Sept. 19, and are releasing his picture in hopes of identifying any other victims.
"The behavior is so strange and deviant, it is possible there may be other victims," said Jim Amormino, spokesman for the Sheriff's Department.
On Sept. 23, deputies were called to the 18800 block of E. Vine Avenue after a mother allegedly saw him in front of her son, Amormino said. Truong was allegedly standing in front of his home, across the street from the child, he said. The mother called a male friend, who chased Truong as he ran back to his home.
"We have been told he has done this in at least one other occasion," Amormino said.
The previous incident, which was not reported to deputies at the time, occurred Sept. 19, Amormino said. That victim was also 2 years old.
Truong is currently in custody in lieu of $30,000 bail.
Anyone with information is asked to contact authorities at 1-866-TIP-OCSD or 1-866-847-6273.
Grandfather Pleads Guilty to Molesting Two Young Girls
An Orange grandfather who watched neighborhood children after school until their parents came home from work pleaded guilty today to molesting two girls younger than 7.
Octavio Reyes Cortez, 59, a landscaper, will be sentenced by Superior Court Judge Frank F. Fasel on Friday to 18 years in prison for six felony counts of lewd conduct on a minor.
Deputy District Attorney Mark Birney said the molestations date back to 1995, and the victims included a 7-year-old girl who came to Cortez' home to play with Barbie dolls with his granddaughter.
Cortez also admitted to repeated acts of molestation on a girl who was younger than 6 between 1995 and 1997.
Octavio Reyes Cortez, 59, a landscaper, will be sentenced by Superior Court Judge Frank F. Fasel on Friday to 18 years in prison for six felony counts of lewd conduct on a minor.
Deputy District Attorney Mark Birney said the molestations date back to 1995, and the victims included a 7-year-old girl who came to Cortez' home to play with Barbie dolls with his granddaughter.
Cortez also admitted to repeated acts of molestation on a girl who was younger than 6 between 1995 and 1997.
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