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Post by reason on Feb 12, 2006 19:40:50 GMT -5
Anybody see this story on the news or in the paper?
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Post by tonya on Feb 12, 2006 20:00:41 GMT -5
Are you referring to this Reason?
Internet Evangelist Accused Of Molesting Children
POSTED: 5:25 pm EDT April 27, 2005
UPDATED: 12:24 am EDT April 28, 2005
A Central Florida-based evangelist is accused of molesting several children, including some under 12 years old, according to police.
Charles Balfe, 60, who is an elder at the Jesus Believers International Church has been accused of three counts of sexual battery of a child under the age of 12 and two counts of lewd and lascivious against a child, Local 6 News reported.
The complaints against Balfe came through the Department of Children and Families and were reported at the church.
"We received a call from DCF and what they had was an anonymous call that tipped them off that something was awry," Deland Police Cmdr. Michael Henderson said.
The alleged sexual assaults began in 2000, according to the report.
Local 6 News reported that Balfe had a previous record with Deland police.
He has lived in Deland for 30 years, according to the report.
Investigators said there may be more victims in connection with the case.
Tonya
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Post by reason on Feb 13, 2006 21:37:25 GMT -5
That's the one.
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Post by tonya on Feb 13, 2006 23:08:45 GMT -5
Why do you ask?
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Post by reason on Mar 1, 2006 13:07:39 GMT -5
Apparently he was convicted.
Should've had a better lawyer.
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Post by Goddess on Mar 2, 2006 9:06:13 GMT -5
Is this one of those instances that the press distorts the truth to sell more papers?
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Post by reason on Mar 2, 2006 21:10:30 GMT -5
I don't think so. No distortions--the press account accurately describes the allegations.
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Post by reason on Mar 6, 2006 21:29:23 GMT -5
Actually, Phoenix, that is the penalty for molesting a child under 12: life without parole.
Of course, it is not uncommon for prosecutors to agree to a plea bargain with a defendant, allowing a plea to a lesser crime and a period of years, rather than life. This is done most frequently in instances where either the evidence is less than overwhelming (leaving the possibility of an acquittal) or where there is an interest in sparing a young, sensitive child the anguish of having to describe the awful, painful details to a roomful of strangers, and being asked questions about it.
In reality, and contrary to conventional wisdom, sex offenders who aren't pedophiles are less likely to reoffend than other criminals. And most people who molest children aren't pedophiles.
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Post by reason on Mar 7, 2006 22:53:25 GMT -5
I think more accomodations should be made for these "Child Victims" such as being Plugged in Via Video-so the victim does'nt have to go thru the trauma all over again.I have a very low tolerence for Pedophiles or Child "Rapists".They all belong on the bottom of the SCRAPHEAP! Imagine being a defendant falsely accused. Would you want the government to be able to play the tape of your accuser, instead of live testimony, with no opportunity for cross-examination to ferret out the inconsistencies? Would you trust such a system to produce a just result? Would you trust it with your life? |
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