JG-TC.com > News > Sexual assault charge reduced when child won't testify in court

TODAY'S HEADLINES

SPECIAL SECTION

ONLINE POLL

ONLINE EXTRAS

Shop Smart, Shop Local

SITE TOOLS

OTHER LINKS

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Lee Enterprises

Tuesday, July 14, 2009 10:20 PM CDT
Sexual assault charge reduced when child won't testify in court

By DAVE FOPAY, Staff Writer
dfopay@jg-tc.com

CHARLESTON — The girl that a Mattoon man was accused of molesting refused to cooperate with a prosecutor, who said she didn’t think the girl would testify if called to court.

A charge of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child against Clarence E. Baker Jr. was dismissed, though he did plead guilty to a misdemeanor battery charge. Baker, 73, 5143 Lake Road, Mattoon, was accused of engaging in a sex act with the 8-year-old girl sometime during 2007.

Assistant State’s Attorney Kerri Davis said the girl gave a detailed report to police when they were investigating the incident. However, during trial preparations, the girl refused to say anything about what happened, Davis explained.

Davis said she and the girl’s parents agreed that trying to force the girl to give her account during court testimony would be too traumatic for her. Mattoon attorney David Nelson, who represented Baker, couldn’t be reached for comment.

The original charge against Baker would have required a prison sentence of six to 30 years had he been convicted. With his guilty plea to the battery charge, he was placed on probation for two years with a counseling requirement among his sentence’s terms.

Baker was also fined $2,000 and ordered to make a $1,000 donation to the Children’s Advocacy Center in Charleston, a private, nonprofit agency that helps authorities with child abuse investigations. He also received a six-month jail term but that was stayed, meaning he won’t have serve it now but part or all of it could be imposed if he doesn’t follow his probation requirements.

Circuit Judge Gary Jacobs sentenced Baker based on the plea agreement that Davis and Nelson recommended.

Contact Dave Fopay at dfopay@jg-tc.com or 238-6858.

Add your comments

*Member ID:
*Password:
Remember login? (requires cookies)
	Forgot Your Password?

Not already registered?
Then click Here.

Comment policy:

JG-TC.com encourages readers to engage in civil conversation with their neighbors. Comments that are submitted are not posted to the site immediately. They go into a queue to be moderated and may take several hours to be reviewed. Comments posted on Saturday may not be reviewed until Sunday afternoon.

In order to keep the page a set width, long lines (mostly long links) will be chopped. Try putting spaces in your links or consider using tinyurl.com to make a smaller link that you can include.

We will never edit or alter your comments, but we do reserve the right to remove comments that violate our code of conduct.

No comment may contain:

* Potentially libelous statements; such as accusing somebody of a crime, defamation of character, or statements that can harm somebody's reputation.
* Obscene, explicit, or racist language.
* Personal attacks, insults, threats, harassment or inciting violence.
* Commercial product promotions.

If you have any questions, please contact our moderator.

kamfong wrote on Jul 14, 2009 5:46 AM:

" It appears to me an innocent little child just got pimped by the state. "

medic57 wrote on Jul 14, 2009 6:20 AM:

" Come on, by pleading to a lesser charge, he as much as admitted he did it, He's lucky I'm not the father of that little girl, he might still be alive, he'd just wish he wasn't. "

anonymous wrote on Jul 14, 2009 8:45 AM:

" absolutely disgusting! I'm sick and tired of these perverts getting away with these crimes that stay with children for the rest of their lives. there is no way that this man should be allowed to walk free - what a disgrace. "

father bob wrote on Jul 14, 2009 9:24 AM:

" hmmmmm.....and i thought all pedophiles were homosexuals.

at any rate this is a travesty of justice, and the man should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

like most sexual preditors, he'll relocate to avoid a physical beating, but he'll commit the act again more than likely. "

Becky wrote on Jul 14, 2009 9:39 AM:

" Isn't there a process available where the little girl can have her testimony video taped for the court? Why didn't they do that? This poor girl will now feel even more guilty and more shamed because she will feel that she let everyone down. This isn't justice, it's a travesty! "

Texas T wrote on Jul 14, 2009 9:43 AM:

" Does he at least have to put a sign in his yard saying "Sexual Predator" lives here? This is just sickening. You know, the Judge could have ordered some jail time. He did not have to let him walk scott free. "

Billie Brant wrote on Jul 14, 2009 10:04 AM:

" Does Illinois have a system as in some states where a very young child can testify in another room and have the testimony shown in the courtroom via a video camera? It seems to me this would be a good way to do things so as not have the child intimidated by the alledged attacker and at the same time the defendant's lawyer could still cross examine the witness. It has to be very scary for a young child to have to get up in front of all those people especially the one who has hurt them. We can't expect children to behave as adults in situations like this.

Anyone know? "

Rockin Rotty wrote on Jul 14, 2009 10:48 AM:

" 4 words - eye for an eye

3 more - and then some "

AnnaNiemaus wrote on Jul 14, 2009 11:00 AM:

" " The girl that a Mattoon man was accused of molesting refused to cooperate with a prosecutor, who said she didnt think the girl would testify if called to court."

Being 8 years old and afraid to face your molestor is called refusing to cooperate? It probably never would've happened if she hadn't been wearing that dress, right? Clearly probation is an appropriate sentence.

Are child victims not allowed to give taped testimony in Illinois? Or just Coles County? "

hmhm wrote on Jul 14, 2009 11:01 AM:

" Its amazing to me how an 18 year old can get in trouble for Meth and get 15+ years in prison but an old man can mess with a child and barely get a slap on the wrist! Wow are legal system sucks!!! "

Tucker wrote on Jul 14, 2009 11:44 AM:

" Innocent until proven guilty evidently doesn't apply to these comments when it comes to a childs accusations. At least Billie Brant says alledged attacker. All of the facts, and evidence or lack there of, is not in this article. Mr. Baker did not plead guilty, nor would he ever, to the charge of sexual assualt, because he did not do anything to the girl. He reluctantly agreed to a misdemeanor charge because of the workings of our justice system, and the toll it has taken on him and his family. Again, I say...It could happen to you! Children these days have learned the art of manipulation and sometimes do or say things to get their way without knowing the full impact of thier actions. In her case, she got what she wanted, her Dad and step-mother divorced. "

Harry Potter wrote on Jul 14, 2009 12:06 PM:

" I believe Coles county has that provision, Billie. "

shysport wrote on Jul 14, 2009 12:06 PM:

" father bob, hmmm and you thought all pedophiles were homosexuals. what a bunch of ignorant crap. that comment was uncalled for, mabe you should research before you blow off "

longflower wrote on Jul 14, 2009 12:09 PM:

" This is where the courts need to PROTECT the children... How is this doing any good for anyone? I dont see how this is even possible... That man had best move because there WILL be someone out there who will get justice...The system is too confusing... I often wonder who's side they are on. "

exbricklayer wrote on Jul 14, 2009 12:38 PM:

" At least he got a fine, if he were a Catholic Priest he would have just gotten a new parish full of potential victims. "

Becky wrote on Jul 14, 2009 1:18 PM:

" Billie, I was wondering the same thing but I guess it's still not allowed because the Sixth Amendment says that the accused has the right to face his accuser in court. The courts feel that the video testimony would violate the 6th Amendment. Still, this is just a travesty. "

medic57 wrote on Jul 14, 2009 1:42 PM:

" Since when is assaulting an 8 year old a misdemeanor?

Unforntunately, Coles County isn't the only place this happens. They should cut his wank off so he can never do this again. Publicly. "

kellkat2 wrote on Jul 14, 2009 2:10 PM:

" I see, "Tucker," so whatever happened is all the little girl's fault, eh? I feel sorry for any girls you have. "

Harry Potter wrote on Jul 14, 2009 2:29 PM:

" Not to defend this guy, or any other predator, but I saw yesterday where a day spent 20 years in jail for supposedly molesting his own children. After 20 years in prison his own kids came came forward and admitted he didn't do it.

And for my friend fb, It looks like your point went over shysport's head. "

kellkat2 wrote on Jul 14, 2009 2:55 PM:

" And "Tucker," let's just say you are right and the 8-year-old girl "manipulated" whatever the situation was - or even lied and made it all up - you still think no one is to blame but her??? If so, again I say, I feel sorry for any children you have or may ever have. Where do you think she would learn such behavior, eh? Kids learn by the behavior of the adults around them. If they have lousy role models - they will turn out the same. She can't and should not be held entirely responsible for her behavior, whatever it was. However, the adults in this case should!

Whether this man did these things or not should in NO WAY hinge upon the testimony in court of an 8-year-old. That is one of the most ridiculous, podunk, backwoods, hayseed, one-branched family tree, archaeic law I have heard of in a long time. "

father bob wrote on Jul 14, 2009 3:16 PM:

" shysport wrote on Jul 14, 2009 12:06 PM:
" father bob, hmmm and you thought all pedophiles were homosexuals. what a bunch of ignorant crap. that comment was uncalled for, mabe you should research before you blow off """"""

relax sonny....just stating what the rightwing bible thumping radials have been posting on this site for the past year.

and yes it is ignorant crap....that's why i chose this thread to remind them of their stance "homosexuals are all pedophiles and all pedophiles are homosexuals" "

7X6Z9 wrote on Jul 14, 2009 3:36 PM:

" Naturally Mr Potter comes to the aid of his "father bob" name:

(Harry Potter wrote on Jul 14, 2009 2:29 PM:
" Not to defend this guy, or any other predator, but I saw yesterday where a day spent 20 years in jail for supposedly molesting his own children. After 20 years in prison his own kids came came forward and admitted he didn't do it.

And for my friend fb, It looks like your point went over shysport's head. ")

The charade continues....... "

laramie wrote on Jul 14, 2009 4:02 PM:

" Something screwy here. If someone is raped, they, and the rapist are taken to the Hospital for exstensive physical exams, which are not plesent. Also, if this happened to an 8 year old girl, there would have been some kind of damage. Another strange thing, after perusing Judici.com, this is the ONLY charge ever against this man. Very strange indeed for someone to become a sexual predator at this age and not ever having even been to court for so much as a Traffic Ticket. Something doesn't click here. What parent would't let their child help put away a person like this.

I have the feeling when this one is all cleared up, someone will have some explaining to do. Come on Journal Gazette, fess up, tell the rest of the story, it will get out anyway. Do you have any idea what this kind of charge will do to a person, even if it not true? "

tiny wrote on Jul 14, 2009 4:02 PM:

" What good would it do as a father to be thrown in jail? How as a father do you ask your now 10 year old to relive that nightmare in front of people she does not know? "

just watching wrote on Jul 14, 2009 4:04 PM:

" What's an 8yr old doing being left with a 73yr old stranger for anyway? SO THE COURTHOUSE GETS $2000 CAC get's $1000 the little girl gets violated ,pretty smooth justice I'd say. Judge J, I'm dissapointed with your decsion sir :(... Nobody pleads guilty to anything regarding those kind of charges unless they are guilty of something.I hope you don't let the Drug counselor get a hand slap,thats currently out on bond "

Texas T wrote on Jul 14, 2009 4:21 PM:

" kellcat I am not sticking up for Tucker but kids learn crap like that in school also. They learn that they can call CPS on their parents when they get spanked. They see attention that abused children get and use that to get attention for themselves. They even learn that crap on tv. I saw that same scenario on Law and Order SVU. A little girl wanted to go to Disney World so she said her Daddy touched her in the bad place. You can only hope that your kids don't fall into that trap. If your kid is a leader then chances are it won't but it it is a follower then the odds go up. "

Harry Potter wrote on Jul 14, 2009 4:26 PM:

" Hey fb, have you noticed that since Sybil went into his latest meltdown trying to prove that everyone who posts against his ideas just has to be the same person has put most of his other personalities on hold. Can you imagine the size of the cheat sheet he has to keep along side his screen to keep up with all those "personalities? Oops, shouldn't have said that, they'll be crawling out of the woodwork post haste, and singing his praises no doubt. Look out here they come. lol! "

7X6Z9 wrote on Jul 14, 2009 4:54 PM:

" Last week I exposed the fact that Harry Potter changes names:

(Harry Potter wrote on Jul 9, 2009 7:03 AM:
" Of course it was me posting under that name Sybil, I have changed my posting name (actually twice).)

He admits "twice". You can be sure it's more accurately- twenty. "

7X6Z9 wrote on Jul 14, 2009 4:59 PM:

" Here we see Mr Potter projecting:

"Can you imagine the size of the cheat sheet he has to keep along side his screen to keep up with all those "personalities?"

Mr Potter tends to keep his "father bob" posts distinguished by the absence of capital letters, and the presence of a hyper-idiocy matched only by his hyper-hatred and anger. Actually, there is little difference in the two. "

tiny wrote on Jul 14, 2009 5:24 PM:

" i am a very proud man that belongs to a daughter, who had the courage to stand in front of me, and tell me in graphic detail of the things that ruin women for the rest of their lives. should any one who comments ever experience the horrific events as a parent, you will learn how important it is to shut your damnd computer off and take your child fishing. good day to all. "

Harry Potter wrote on Jul 14, 2009 5:40 PM:

" Blue Dog Democrat wrote on Jul 14, 2009 5:02 PM:

" Obamulism: keep kissing the tail that's between your legs, victory was never so sweet. "

Was my prediction at 4:26 PM on the money or what, fb? Can Stanley Stetson or Neo be far behind? lol! "

Rojo wrote on Jul 14, 2009 5:54 PM:

" Texas T you are exactly right, its easy for a child to get mad at their parents and simply pick up the phone, make a phone call....and then your life from their on out is ruined. I have no idea if this guy did it, but larami said that they look on judici and this was the only thing he had on record, I also dont believe this man at 73 is all of a sudden become a child molestor. A child molester is always one, as a cheater is always a cheater. Maybe the parents of this child didnt like the man, or had something against him so they chose to humiliate him and let people who dont know the story accuse him as well.
Also there is good reason to have the child testify, it helps the jury/judge to read body language, something that you cant see listening to a taped recording of their testimony. "

redneckmomma wrote on Jul 14, 2009 6:13 PM:

" First...TUCKER..I pray that you have no little girls!!!!!!
This little girl was NOT left with a STRANGER! This man was not a stranger to her!!! What difference does it make that he never had as much as a traffic ticket in Coles county?!? What about the other places he has lived in his life?!? This man is sick and so is anyone that would stand up for him!!!!! Come judgement day, justice will be served, its just to bad our wonderful states attorney couldnt get the ball rollin a little sooner. "

father bob wrote on Jul 14, 2009 6:43 PM:

" laramie wrote on Jul 14, 2009 4:02 PM:

" Another strange thing, after perusing Judici.com, this is the ONLY charge ever against this man."""""

hey einstein....he's from springfield. judici.com doesn't list sangamon county citations...best try another conspiracy theory. "

AnnaNiemaus wrote on Jul 14, 2009 7:41 PM:

" Rojo wrote on Jul 14, 2009 5:54 PM:
" there is good reason to have the child testify, it helps the jury/judge to read body language, something that you cant see listening to a taped recording of their testimony. "

It's closed-circuit testimony, not taped, and the judge and attorneys are present. "

AnnaNiemaus wrote on Jul 14, 2009 7:45 PM:

" Harry Potter wrote on Jul 14, 2009 2:29 PM:
" Not to defend this guy, or any other predator, but I saw yesterday where a day spent 20 years in jail for supposedly molesting his own children. After 20 years in prison his own kids came came forward and admitted he didn't do it.

Harry, sorry to say that I know someone who accused her father of molesting her, because he did. Due to a huge amount of pressure from family members she later recanted her story, but everyone close to them knows he did it, has done it to others, and will never stop until he's dead. And it was done to him when he was a kid, also by a family member. There's a long family history that goes with it and they all choose to deny it because they think they need their family. This girl was the first thing I thought of when I heard the story you speak of.

I'm not saying it's impossible that the kids in the news story were lying 20 years ago, just saying the recantment may not be the true story either. "

Harry Potter wrote on Jul 14, 2009 8:38 PM:

" I just threw that out as food for thought, Anna. Having relatives that have been the victims of child predators, I am well aware of the pain and suffering they have endured. I am no way defending those reprobates. Of course I have no idea of what really happened in the case I mentioned, and if it occurred as the story said, I'm sure it was a rare thing. And certainly they could have given in to family pressure. But we read almost daily at times, about people being freed from prison who were proven innocent through DNA testing, so we know that sometimes the courts make mistakes. Thank you for your heartfelt response to my post. "

7X6Z9 wrote on Jul 14, 2009 9:56 PM:

" Careful here Mr Potter, you're mouth is about to get you into trouble. It was predictable that you would save face by claiming to have relatives who were underage sexual victims. And of course, you displayed the typical Harry Potter "Dohbaugh" touch by ingratiating yourself to the respondent with, "Thank you for your heartfelt response to my post." That tactic seems to bail you out most of the time, doesn't it, Mr Potter. "

lil77 wrote on Jul 14, 2009 10:43 PM:

" Just because this person didn't have a record before DOES NOT MEAN THAT HE DIDN'T DO IT BEFORE ! ITS CALLED GETTING COUGHT FOR THE FIRST TIME ! Maybe he has in another state or town and ran from there. "

acidburn wrote on Jul 14, 2009 11:22 PM:

" It is odd that this girls dad was also once charged for the same thing and all charges were dropped.

Hell, you can't even give your kids a bath anymore. "

Harry Potter wrote on Jul 15, 2009 7:47 AM:

" It appears that the stalking troll has followed me to this thread too. What a sad and pathetic person he seems to be. "

magoo wrote on Jul 15, 2009 8:38 AM:

" why doesn't the newspaper print pictures of people convicted of crimes like this - by judge jury or plea agreement - guilty is guilty and the people of the community esp those with children should know who these people are! "

kamfong wrote on Jul 15, 2009 9:07 AM:

" Just Watching, Drug Counselor??? What? Please do tell. "

Harry Potter wrote on Jul 15, 2009 9:45 AM:

" " why doesn't the newspaper print pictures of people convicted of crimes like this...

There is a website that posts pictures of all convicted sex offenders. I'm not sure of what it goes under.

Anyone know? "

laramie wrote on Jul 15, 2009 10:06 AM:

" magoo

What heinous crime was he convicted of?

Harry

http://www.nsopw.gov/Core/Conditions.aspx

Careful, you might be suprised who is on the site. "

Rohn Gordon wrote on Jul 15, 2009 10:13 AM:

" You can search for Illinois sexual offenders list and find it that way Harry. "

father bob wrote on Jul 15, 2009 10:19 AM:

" Harry Potter wrote on Jul 15, 2009 7:47 AM:
" It appears that the stalking troll has followed me to this thread too. What a sad and pathetic person he seems to be. """"

yeah well....that just his M.O.
remember the college boys? "

happymom wrote on Jul 15, 2009 11:23 AM:

" Harry Potter wrote on Jul 15, 2009 9:45 AM:

" " why doesn't the newspaper print pictures of people convicted of crimes like this...

There is a website that posts pictures of all convicted sex offenders. I'm not sure of what it goes under.

Anyone know? "
_______________________

http://www.isp.state.il.us/sor/mapsor.cfm

Put in your address and it will list all of them in a certain radius. "

Beaches wrote on Jul 15, 2009 12:51 PM:

" Okay folks, anytime we talk about a child being sexually molested it is an emotional topic. Here's my take on it - I don't know the people involved, I don't know what happened. I know that children have been abused, and I know that some children have lied. If this child was abused it is a horrific thing and justice should be done. If she wasn't, this is a horrific thing and an innocent man's life has been forever changed. We who don't have all the information, should not cast stones. "

even steven wrote on Jul 15, 2009 1:29 PM:

" The Illinois State Police website has a list of convicted sex offenders.

http://www.isp.state.il.us/sor/ "

just watching wrote on Jul 15, 2009 1:35 PM:

" Kamfong, 2009CF42, Judici "

father bob wrote on Jul 15, 2009 2:15 PM:

" magoo wrote on Jul 15, 2009 8:38 AM:
" why doesn't the newspaper print pictures of people convicted of crimes like this - by judge jury or plea agreement - guilty is guilty and the people of the community esp those with children should know who these people are! """""

www.familywatchdog.us

they show you a mapped location of the offender's home as well as a photo. "

Tucker wrote on Jul 15, 2009 2:21 PM:

" This opinion site SUCKS! Evidently a persons opinion is not posted unless it agrees with the negative majority. It must not be interested in facts or responses to those comments. This was my first time to ever post anything here and I won't waste my time again. I know my comments were within your "guidelines", based on the content of the negative posts. Or is there a bias on them also? You have my permission to edit any part of my previous unposted comments (or return them to me for me to edit)....surely the whole post does not step on anyones toes! Let's see if this is posted?? "

Texas T wrote on Jul 15, 2009 2:39 PM:

" http://www.isp.state.il.us/sor/sor.cfm

This is the one for Illinois. "

Texas T wrote on Jul 15, 2009 2:40 PM:

" This guy won't be on it because he was just charged with a misdemeanor battery charge - not a sex offense. "

Rockin Rotty wrote on Jul 15, 2009 2:45 PM:

" Try this Sex Offender website. I think somebody had posted this before in a comment area.

http://tinyurl.com/ngwq44 "

Chet Steadman wrote on Jul 15, 2009 3:47 PM:

" Sorry HP this guy is NOT a registered Sex Offender. A Class A Battery is nothing more than an inappropriate touch. One may be charged with a Class A Battery if he was to fight after the bar closes. Two kids fighting after school may also be charged with this offense. It is a problem but not the magnitude of a Class X Felony. If convicted of a Class X Felony, Probation would not be an option. He would be looking at a minumum of 6 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. In addition, he would be mandated to register as a Sexual Predator for the rest of his life. A person convicted of a Class A Battery is not mandated to register as a Sex Offender. So, assuming he is able to successfully complete Probation, he will not be required to register. Further, after he is done with Probation he can go anywhere and only have a Battery charge on his record. He can go ANYWHERE and live ANYWHERE. "

freedom2speak wrote on Jul 15, 2009 5:01 PM:

" This story is just one of many..I am waiting for justice for my own daughter and as evidence shows by coles counties record I know that our case could also end up like this one. My only hope is that there is a change soon..I will pray every night as I tuck my daughter into her bed at nite. "

Harry Potter wrote on Jul 15, 2009 5:17 PM:

" " Sorry HP this guy is NOT a registered Sex Offender.

I didn't say he was. "

kamfong wrote on Jul 15, 2009 7:28 PM:

" WOW,I wondered why that guy suddenly,quietly ,dissapeared from the Drug Court circuit.Thanks JW for sharing. "

Harry Potter wrote on Jul 15, 2009 9:13 PM:

" Word is that the word is out about this clown, kam. "

61912 wrote on Jul 15, 2009 10:28 PM:

" Kamfong, Just watching & HP,
Funny how this case has been so "hush, hush" but as HP stated word is starting to get around. I would love to believe that it is not true. This man played a big part in my treatment in 2004. After becoming regularly involved in DC he became a different person, quite sad. Those old behaviors will resurface and cause pain and problems if we don't address them immediately....this is a fine example unfortunately. "

beaner09 wrote on Jul 15, 2009 10:44 PM:

" "Davis said she and the girls parents agreed that trying to force the girl to give her account during court testimony would be too traumatic for her. Mattoon attorney David Nelson, who represented Baker, couldnt be reached for comment."

I'm sorry but I think that this baby is already traumatized....I mean she was hurt by a 73 year old man that she probably trusted.

This makes me SICK and my blood BOIL!!

My heart goes out to this little girl. "

Tucker wrote on Jul 15, 2009 11:30 PM:

" Beaches, tells it like it is. I know the information. "

Tucker wrote on Jul 15, 2009 11:36 PM:

" Beaner09...Your first mistake was believing what you read as truth. Your second mistake was thinking! "

just watching wrote on Jul 16, 2009 6:51 AM:

" 61912, I'm glad you still have your positive recovery in check. My concern is,that I watched countless people paraded up to the bench and be sanctioned for dishonesty,while he was on a committe that decided peoples fate.Some of the dishonesty sanctions included jail time for infractions as minor as lying about mssing an NA meeting,or not calling in for a pee test.FACT this person was arrested in the am of drug court,never jailed,and at 1:30 the same day stood up as usuall and did his drug court thang.I find that to be rather appauling.With an arrest of this nature he should of at least been releasedfrom his dr ct duties or better yet been ordered to address the entire dr ct participants as to his arrest,I was there in ct that day and sad to say that the whole dr ct committee mummed it up.Thats about when I lost all faith in that program,it has somewhat been restored,and I refuse to let what-ever the out come of jerk-os case effect my hard fought for sobriety.I'm also a dr ct grad that with no help whatsoever from that treament provider, I still remain clean and sober,just can't stand child molesters and pediphiles and those that protect them. "

Harry Potter wrote on Jul 16, 2009 7:31 AM:

" 61912, for the sake of those involved he should not be having direct contact with clients until this matter is settled. I would think that he would be a distraction. Hopefully he will be vindicated, but leaving him in a position of authority over the daily lives of people trying to get their lives together was not a good decision, and does not reflect well on the management of an organization that has done so much good for our community. Surely, given the size of that agency, they could find something else for him to do that would not involve face to face involvement with clients until this matter is resolved. There are too many unanswered questions. And as you pointed out it seems awfully "hush hush". Other people have not be given this luxury, and it has to be upsetting to those clients who are there as a result of a court decision. "

citizenofmattoon wrote on Jul 16, 2009 7:37 AM:

" father bob wrote on Jul 14, 2009 6:43 PM:

" laramie wrote on Jul 14, 2009 4:02 PM:

" Another strange thing, after perusing Judici.com, this is the ONLY charge ever against this man."""""

So FATHER BOB; are you saying that since this is his only crime (supposedly) that he should just recieve a slap on the hand and make the crime as PAID IN FULL???
WHAT IS THE MATTER WHITH YOU??? "

pj1983 wrote on Jul 16, 2009 7:37 AM:

" you'd be suprised how resiliant kids can be, beaner. if the situation is treated properly this child can grow up to be a completely normal, fully functioning adult who doesn't try to blame every little screw-up on what happened when she was a kid. there is nothing worse than someone who blames their weight or their bad relationship history on the fact that they were molested. "

laramie wrote on Jul 16, 2009 7:46 AM:

" I mean she was hurt by a 73 year old man that she probably trusted.

Beaner

Can we assume by your statement that you were there and watched it happen?

How many here have walked into a messy room and said who did this, and the child said, I didn't do it or, he did it. "

father bob wrote on Jul 16, 2009 8:52 AM:

" citizenofmattoon wrote on Jul 16, 2009 7:37 AM:
" father bob wrote on Jul 14, 2009 6:43 PM:

" laramie wrote on Jul 14, 2009 4:02 PM:

" Another strange thing, after perusing Judici.com, this is the ONLY charge ever against this man."""""

So FATHER BOB; are you saying that since this is his only crime (supposedly) that he should just recieve a slap on the hand and make the crime as PAID IN FULL???
WHAT IS THE MATTER WHITH YOU??? """""

hey you idiot......go back up and re-read that post. i was correcting the other idiot. the guy's from SPRINGFIELD and SANGAMON COUNTY doesn't post to judici.com

is that clear now? "

just watching wrote on Jul 16, 2009 9:12 AM:

" Harry Potter, The man in question is a known liar,I called him on it after an assessment given to me by him while i was in jail on a fabricated drug conspiracy charge.I prevailed.Anyway instead of vindication I hope he's prosecuted to the fullest extend of the law,Anybody knows that as with any charge,when one waves their preliminary hearing, they don't want information revealed about their charges.I hope the court does the right thing and I find it very Disturbing this case is even being handled by,anyone involved with CC court system.I will watch this case very closely and if it gets swept under the rug so to speak I will raise hell and Advocate against the program he was involved with instead of support it. Have a nice day :) "

Tucker wrote on Jul 16, 2009 12:04 PM:

" I agree with laramie's response to beaner as of 7/16...I know both parties, and I believe she "may" have been hurt by someone she trusted, but, the blame was directed to the wrong person. Perhaps people should look at those around her that had direct contact with her...as Mr. Baker didn't have direct contact with her! Maybe you should re-read Kellkat's response of 7/14 at 2:55pm. "

devilishangel61401 wrote on Jul 16, 2009 12:48 PM:

" My heart just breaks for this child and her family. This man should have done jail time, at the very least be tossed in jail for life. The paper won't print what I really think should happen to those who prey on children in this way but let's just say its not a pretty ending. =) "

7X6Z9 wrote on Jul 16, 2009 12:49 PM:

" father bob wrote on Jul 16, 2009 8:52 AM: " hey you idiot......go back up and re-read that post. i was correcting the other idiot. the guy's from SPRINGFIELD and SANGAMON COUNTY doesn't post to judici.com

is that clear now? "
-----------

Please forgive my friend Harry Potter, also posting as "father bob". He's a little cranky lately. He recently admitted that he makes frequent journeys to Mexico for cheap prescription meds and knock-off silver jewelry, and then just yesterday he made this disturbing admission:

(father bob wrote on Jul 15, 2009 8:37 PM: " hmmmmm......stalking college boys...anyone remember that one? 2 weeks of panting and raving. ")

He's clearly an unstable individual, and there's obviously a very good reason why he frequently reads Judici.com; his many court appearances are probably listed there.

Take care Mr Potter. And please- get help.

;-) "

csanant wrote on Jul 16, 2009 12:59 PM:

" Why on earth did the Charleston Children's Advocacy Center not tape this interview...indicates a lack of cooperation between law enforcement and the advocacy center. This scenario is exactly what the advocacy centers are supposed to ensure does not happen. The child should have been interviewed at the center...not by law enforcement in the first place. Absolutely disgusting.
Now this child predator has been released to offend again...and again.
People should be angry at the system, agencies and legal representation who revictimized this child. "

Harry Potter wrote on Jul 16, 2009 1:02 PM:

" I have never met the man, jw, but I do think he is entitled the privilege of not being judged for what he's been accused of doing until it's proven in a court of law. I agree that if he's found guilty they should throw the book at him. My only issue is that he is still allowed to work with clients. I just hate to see this issue reflect on an agency that has done so much good, but again, I fault the management of that organization for the poor decision of keeping him in his present postition. Their Director doesn't have the best reputation around and this doesn't help.

Perhaps it's time for the court to find another agency to work with, as this one seems to have lost all credibility in the recovering community. I would hate to see the drug court program jeopardized over this issue. "

if only wrote on Jul 16, 2009 5:14 PM:

" If only there were justice for all! If only it were innocent until proven guilty. If only all the facts were printed about this case, then all would know the truth! An innocent man and his family's lives have been demolished. If only the innocent were protected. "

just watching wrote on Jul 16, 2009 5:28 PM:

" HP ,I concur with everything you said. "

pj1983 wrote on Jul 16, 2009 7:54 PM:

" i agree 100%, HP.

oh no! does this mean i'm you? or maybe you're me? oh well, maybe 7X6Z9 can elp with my identity crisis. "

61912 wrote on Jul 16, 2009 8:33 PM:

" I posted at 5:30 pm...hmmmm...I don't see it!

In short:

JW, I too am a graduate and started before that person was ever on the DC team. I have been thrown "under the bus" per se by him and had some sanctions because of it, I know he is dishonest....the dishonesty came in heavy when he started getting "thick" with the legal system (my opinion trying to get in with probation and obtain a job there). Anyway my hope that it is not true is for those children involved.

HP: I know that he was at DC the day of arrest but my understanding is that he has not had contact with the clients since that time. I could be wrong but hope not. I owe a new life to DC and would be sad for the program to develop a bad reputation, I know that it has changed other lives as well. As for the facility he works for...what are they to do at this point? By law he is still innocent. "

7X6Z9 wrote on Jul 16, 2009 8:40 PM:

" " oh no! does this mean i'm you? or maybe you're me? oh well, maybe 7X6Z9 can elp with my identity crisis. "
---------

Yeah, I think those four little sentences pretty much confirm that you're another of Mr Potter's many-named clones. Otherwise you really wouldn't care now would you. No you wouldn't. "

Harry Potter wrote on Jul 16, 2009 9:02 PM:

" 61912, it's my understanding that he has daily contact with current clients at his place of employment. I'm not part of the recovering community but I have been told that by a friend who works there that he still has his same old job in the detox unit. And before I forget it, congratulations on your keeping clean. Be proud of your accomplishments. You are a testimony to the Drug Court program which has helped turn so many lives around and gave people a second chance.

Anyone else know his work status?

And for pj1983, careful, anyone agreeing with me is automatically me, just ask kam and father bob who are now on the stalking trolls harassment list. lol! "

just watching wrote on Jul 16, 2009 9:33 PM:

" 61912, He should man up and practice what he preached.Innocent people don't wave preliminary hearings. "

Harry Potter wrote on Jul 16, 2009 10:00 PM:

" Sorry 61912. Look out or you will be followed around by the stalking troll. lol! "

Billie Brant wrote on Jul 16, 2009 10:59 PM:

" And for pj1983, careful, anyone agreeing with me is automatically me, just ask kam and father bob who are now on the stalking trolls harassment list. lol! "

HP- The next thing will be accusations toward you of cross dressing and posting under female names. LOL! "

Harry Potter wrote on Jul 17, 2009 6:48 AM:

" HP- The next thing will be accusations toward you of cross dressing and posting under female names. LOL! "

If the stalking troll does that. I'm gonna blame you, Billie. lol! "

Take_Time wrote on Jul 17, 2009 7:42 AM:

" Wow, how easy is it to take someone else's inventory. JW, the only thing he does at the jail is gather information, and 61912 How funny you are, as he was at DC the first day of court. Maybe you need to check the facts before you type trash. Then look at the countless amount of people out of jail due to his honesty. DUH "

61912 wrote on Jul 17, 2009 11:12 AM:

" Take Time~ I was one of the first 10 participants in the DC program and there was not anyone respresenting CEAD in the beginning. It was Steve Kelly and the judge...ask someone in probation that was there when the program was inducted, or Hon. Judge Shick....DC was also held on Fridays, not Thursdays.

HP & Billie...you too crack me up, "Z" has probably already googled all of us back to a few years ago and comparing posts! LOL He'll have to search deep since I don't usually post regularly. ;) "

just watching wrote on Jul 17, 2009 1:31 PM:

" Take_time, I got your inventory. Gathering information is called an assessment, in wich is supposed to be kept confidential,right now there is a computer floating around that belonged to the treatment center, that was traded by the person in question,for tattoo's at a local Tattoo parlor.any idea what might be on that laptop?"countless people out of jail due to "his" honesty" LOL it,s called bogus pre-trial bond contract.It's only available to certain local people,I personally wittnessed countless Chicago crack traffikers be allowed to bond out within 24hrs after their arrest and be on their way. whereas some local meth precursor charges get stuck in jail for months without bond due to "his honesty". Don't get me started I've been there done that.That treatment center is a joke, relying on govt grants.VERY FEW- employees care about anybodies recovery matter of fact they rely on the constant flow of non violent offenders.When you are the only treatment center around with little or no compitetion i guess you can have the attitude the current administrator has. If the accused is so innocent then why wave his prelim? Thats where an IMPARTIAL judge listens to the charges and evidence and finds if theres enough to try. Does the accused have something to hide? Who knows maybe deep inside this pawned laptop might hold some answers??? :)What ever comes around goes around. "

kamfong wrote on Jul 17, 2009 1:40 PM:

" HP I got a good deal on a bundle of fly swatters today.I will distribute them in a week or so when my trip is ended.I gottcher back old man.lol(and anybody else currently being trolled)bx X-whatchamacallit.lol "

Harry Potter wrote on Jul 17, 2009 2:47 PM:

" Thanks kam. I posted this the other day but you might have missed it, anyway, I have a sister who lives in Texas, as well as several other relatives, and you're in Texas so I guess that's conclusive proof that you and I are the same person, huh? Since father bob lives in New Mexico and I have relatives there the troll says we have to be the same person too. This could get pretty confusing as I have relatives and children in over 7 states. Stay tuned to find out who else I am. lol!

PS, sounds like your having a good time. Do they run straight pipes down there? (sorry I couldn't help myself) "

Harry Potter wrote on Jul 17, 2009 5:35 PM:

" If you have the extra room, how about bringing back a couple dozen Mexican rat traps, kam? "

kamfong wrote on Jul 17, 2009 6:29 PM:

" HP, they run all kinds of pipes here,we saw this little escort draggin it's muffler around so i guess thats mexican drag pipes. Anyway I went through at the progresso checkpoint this am, Mexico has armed forces with 50cal aimed about windshield high surrounded by sandbags,very strong show of mexican military everywhere,kinda spooky so didn't stay long,took us longer to come back across than I stayed.only way Ill ever attempt that feat again will be with an experienced escort.Still got them flyswatters though. :) "

pj1983 wrote on Jul 19, 2009 6:54 PM:

" 7X6Z9, unless HP is a 25 yr old maried woman, i'm pretty sure we're not the same person.

HP, since we're supposedly the same person, i could use a vacation, wanna come run my store for me for a while? but you gotta be willing to do all the housework @ home too, the hubby's kinda lazy:) "

7X6Z9 wrote on Jul 19, 2009 8:23 PM:

" " 7X6Z9, unless HP is a 25 yr old maried woman, i'm pretty sure we're not the same person. "
---------

Well gee pj1983- that's convincing. I mean- with all that specific detail and all, how could you *possibly* be Mr Potter. I'm mean, it's not like you could have possibly just made all of that up is it. I guess that's pretty conclusive.

Wait No. No it's not Mr Potter.

And your predominant use of lower case letters is a bit too much like your little "father bob" character- don't you think Mr Potter? "

Harry Potter wrote on Jul 20, 2009 6:49 AM:

" Sorry pj1983, but anytime anyone disagrees with the stalking troll, or agrees with me, he or she automatically has to be me in his mind. Don't go away. His goal to get rid of every poster who doesn't buy into his warped ideas. Please don't let this bully deter you with his wild claims and ongoing harassment. "

pj1983 wrote on Jul 20, 2009 7:37 AM:

" wow,7X6Z9 you're a lil nuts. my sister's a shrink i'll get you her card. see, the problem with your baseless (and pointless) accusations is that they're impossible to prove. if you can come up with a way for someone to "prove" their identity to you, feel free to share. "

7X6Z9 wrote on Jul 20, 2009 1:23 PM:

" " His goal to get rid of every poster who doesn't buy into his warped ideas. Please don't let this bully deter you with his wild claims and ongoing harassment. "
---------

That's quite a remarkable set of accusations coming from you, Mr Potter. Especially given the fact that you've already been exposed staging contrived conversations between your different names in here. Not to mention that *you*, more than any other poster in here, have consistently name-called, insulted, harassed, and badgered posters who disagree with your politics. And the fact that you do it by flooding threads with several of your bogus names in an attempt to shout people down- makes you a remarkable hypocrite. "

Rockin Rotty wrote on Jul 21, 2009 11:20 AM:

" Wow, this is rockin right along!

Think I'll go for a 20 minute drive to Mattoon & back.
LOL!
;-) "

Rohn Gordon wrote on Jul 21, 2009 1:10 PM:

" JW a prelim is a waste of time. No matter what evidence the judge will bind you over.
I was in court last month. A very large man approx 6'2" 300 lbs had his prelim. The cop got on the stand and said this man punched his girlfriend in the face at least 6 times. the cop was asked to describe the marks on her face. The cop then sat right there and said there was "NO" marks on her face at all. But yet this man was still held over for trial. If judges grew back bones and started throwing crap like this out then there would be way fewer trumped up charges going through. But thats where the easy money is.
Also JW with all that you seam to know about courts you should also know most lawyers want to waive the prelims anyway. "

just watching wrote on Jul 21, 2009 4:37 PM:

" Rohn could it be he didn't want the judges, that he was involved with to hear the evidence against him?So he could bide more time to try to weasel out of it? Hmmm. Hypotheticaly speaking,if you was charged with sexual abuse of one of your family members would you A. wave the prelim? or B. flip the flock out? I choose B myself. I know you would never EVER consider such an act,but I'll let you answer anyway.jw "

pj1983 wrote on Jul 21, 2009 4:43 PM:

" the insurance premiums are hitting the pocketbook kinda hard rotty, better make that a 30 minute trip :) "

Merlin wrote on Jul 21, 2009 7:35 PM:

" JW, How many prelims have you waived. hmmmmmm "

Rockin Rotty wrote on Jul 21, 2009 8:50 PM:

" Gotcha, pj - understand ya there.
lol "

just watching wrote on Jul 21, 2009 10:15 PM:

" Merlin ,none for child molestation,how about yourself? "

61912 wrote on Jul 22, 2009 11:59 AM:

" JW...what is your graduation date from DC??? Mine is Nov 1 2007. "

just watching wrote on Jul 22, 2009 4:41 PM:

" 61912,hint i was voted the most likely not to succeed. :) "

61912 wrote on Jul 22, 2009 6:30 PM:

" JM? "

just watching wrote on Jul 22, 2009 9:53 PM:

" No, close but no cigar.I was in the Last grad.I'll holler at you when I see you.:) "

61912 wrote on Jul 23, 2009 8:53 AM:

" Okey Dokey...I'm perplexed, apparently you know who I am ;) "

Rohn Gordon wrote on Jul 28, 2009 9:23 PM:

" JW I am sure I would be doing a bunch of flipping. And yes I am sure he is trying to weasel for sure.
JW do you also know me?? I am guessing with some of your comments you do.
JW and 61912 keep up the great work you 2 :-). Even if we do not know each other I am "PROUD" of you both. "