Statutes and victims

One CFS supporter wrote this morning:

So, nothing from Irma's report is credible--she started this firestorm and no records or memories of previous allegations and actions have been located. So now, instead of admitting error which will cause a major lawsuit against the State entities, they are NOW trying to dredge up a prosecution from allegations that weren't acted upon by the police from decades ago just to save their reputation and money while they destroy Mr. Bob, his career, his health, his reputation and his family along with the students, teachers and staff at CFS. And, maybe I'm wrong but I seem to recall that there is a 7 year statute of limitations somewhere written in our State and/or Federal laws--does this not apply only to Mr. Bob?

Well, no, not exactly. CA state law says that there is a 10 limitation from the time of the crime. Additionally, victims coming forward over the age of 18, even if it has been 10 years since the alleged crime took place, have an additional year from the time a police report is filed. This means that a victim of age 3 can file a police report at age 21 and there is 1 year from the time of that report for charges to be filed.

Mr. Bob is not being unduly targeted nor are his alleged crimes outside the CA Penal Code statutes. The CFS Supporters have said over and over again how unfair this all is. How Mr. Bob is a scapegoat for a botched investigation. We have heard the rumors of the City of CH attempting to take over the property for a firehouse. None of this is true. It simply isn't. CHPD conducted a thorough investigation into these allegations and sufficient evidence was found to support an arrest being made. It is easy to criticize the handling of the school closure by CHPD. Why on earth would they take any possible missteps and invite further scrutiny? This case isn't about saving money from a lawsuit against the city, county or state. Its not about saving a reputation. Its certainly not about intentionally and personally ruining Mr. Bob. It is about protecting the children of our city and state from possible harm. Its about giving a voice to the alleged victims and allowing a jury to determine the guilt or innocence of Robert Adams. Robert Adams is entitled to his due process, just as I would hope to be allowed to have my due process.

These statutes are in place to protect the possible defense an alleged criminal may use but also to protect the victims. Many victims of incest or molestation by a family member cannot report them when the crime happens. The psychological and emotional trauma that a victim may experience is enormous and should not be underestimated. The daughter of a pedophile may not understand or may have blocked what her parent did to her. It does not mean he should go unpunished. These victims deserve the vindication that comes with a guilty verdict. After all, their innocence has been taken from them, often their dignity has been stripped. Their voices are all they have left and they deserve to have them heard.