In the United States, the public has the right to know.
Unless, of course, you are in Judge Tony Williams' courtroom in Taney County Circuit Court. According to a post on the Crime Scene blog, Williams is banning the public from Pete Newman's preliminary hearing Tuesday, acceding to the state's request to use a new law that offers protection to child witnesses.
Newman, the former director of Kanakuk Kamp, is charged with two counts of sexual misconduct and single counts of statutory sodomy and enticement of a child under the age of 15. The Taney County prosecuting attorney has said that Newman's acts, all with underage boys, took place over a 10-year period.
The allegations against Newman were outlined in Taney Count court documents. From the Sheriff's Department's investigative report:
"Between 2005 and 2008, Pete Newman became a close friend of his by attending family dinners, sleepovers, bible studies, taking vacations together and writing letters. Pete would hold one-on-one sessions with (the boy) in Pete's hot tub (at Pete's residence) and would request they be naked. Pete would discuss life's struggles with (him) and talk about masturbation. Pete would explain that if (the boy) would masturbate with him in his hot tub then there would be no lust and therefore (the boy) would not be sinning."
The boy told Roberts he and Newman masturbated together 10 times over a four-year period.
The sex went further than masturbation with another teenager, according to the report. After beginning with the masturbation sessions with the 13-year-old, the report said, "Pete started masturbating (the boy) and (the boy) would then masturbate Pete." That led to oral sex when the boy turned 15.
Newman allegedly used the hot tub trick on a 14-year-old, again resulting in mutual masturbation sessions.
When the Sheriff's Department began contacting former campers from other states, they heard more disturbing stories. Parents from Tennessee told the deputy their son, who was 14 at the time, reported engaging in the same type of activity with Newman.
Roberts described Newman's tactics, saying Newman became close to boys aged 11 to 15, hung out with them, gained their parents' trust, then beginning slowly with the hot tub and leading to sexual experiences. Roberts referred to it as "the grooming process" used by sexual offenders.
More charges may be in the offing against Newman, according to the Crime Scene blog, which recently quoted Taney County Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Merrell as saying that tips have been received concerning more crimes that may have been committed by Newman.
It also appears likely that Newman and Kanakuk will soon be involved in civil lawsuits. As noted in the Oct. 26 Turner Report, a national law firm, Cory Watson Crowder & DeGaris is looking for alleged victims:
From the law firm's website:
According to court documents, on June 8, 2009, Joe White received a signed letter from Newman, confessing to multiple acts of sexual misconduct with former campers and offering an apology. Shortly before the September warrant was issued, Joe White made a statement that it had been known since March 2009 that Newman allegedly “engaged in sexually inappropriate behavior with adolescent boys, including some who had been Kanakuk Kampers.” There are allegations that the camp organization has known about Newman’s improper conduct for many years and failed to acknowledge it. Sexual abuse lawyers at Cory Watson Crowder & DeGaris are accepting cases involving accusations of inappropriate conduct or possible sexual abuse at Kanakuk camps. All inquiries will be handled in a discreet and confidential manner.
If you or your child were victimized by Pete Newman, we want to help. When you contact us, you will immediately be able to speak with one of our experienced lawyers, and your conversation will be confidential. We have experience in these cases dealing with very emotional and private situations. We can help you. For a discreet and confidential consultation please contact Ernest Cory or Tara Henderson at Kanakukcase@cwcd.com or call toll-free (800) 852-6299.
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(Randy Turner's new book, Newspaper Days, is available at Amazon.com
24 comments:
What possible reason does the "public" have to know the very private, painful stories of these boys? The judge, attorneys, and those involved will do their jobs to protect ALL parties and their rights. ANY judge can close the courtroom at his/her discretion. These boys have suffered enough!!
While I have sympathy for the victims, the public does have the right to know and has no way of knowing that its rights are being protected by the people that you name. The books are filled with instances of judges and lawyers doing things that are contrary to the public good. The best way to ensure that justice is being served is to keep the courtroom open.
This has nothing to do with the public. This is very personal.
Give some respect to these hurting people. This camp and these victims have suffered enough.
A crime was allegedly committed by a public person acting as a representative for a public place. Yes it is personal for those who were involved. But this is also a matter of public interest and Judge Williams is setting a dangerous precedent.
Public interest....wow. Sounds like someone needs to get a life. Or maybe pay attention to their teaching job.
Unfortunately, this case goes beyond the immediate families involved. It deals with all Kanakuk families, as well as those involved in other Christian youth organizations. People want to know how such a crime is prosecuted and, righfully, so.
However, I totally understand the judge's decision to keep this preliminary hearing closed, as young boys, aparently, will be testifying. It will be tough enough for them, along with their families, in just looking at Pete, someone for whom they had great love and respect.
With that said, there does need to be a way to tell the public what happened in the hearing. Unless, of course, all that will be available at trial.
Randy
Again, your lack of journalistic skills betray you. While Pete Newman is a 'public person' Kanakuk is not a 'public place.' Kanakuk is a private camp, where tuition must be paid to attend. The allegations happened at his private residence. The actions are terrible and disgusting, however the judge absolutely has the right to close the courtroom.
And, you shouldn't use another blog as your sources. As we have all come to find out from your blog, one can't trust the facts (or lack there of) from a blog.
Stick to what you know is true and go from there. I am a former journalist and would NEVER have used a blog as my source....you my friend are j.v. and I would be an unhappy parent if my child were forced to have you as a teacher.
j.v.??
I want everyone out there (you included Randy) talking about the public having the right to know, to ask yourselves the real reason you want an open courtroom. I want you all to put yourselves in the position of these young boys who have so bravely come forward. Imagine what they have all had to go through at school hearing horrible comments, kids laughing about it, other kids trying to figure out who it is, etc. Imagine these same boys having to be told that Pete did not accept the plea he originally had agreed verbally to accept, and that now they would be having to take the stand. Now imagine these boys in court on the stand with their peers, reporters, etc. sitting in the room. Pete not accepting the plea after verbally agreeing is to once again try to manipulate these boys, trying to call their bluff. I wouldn't have blamed one of them for not being able to do it. These boys as hard as it is for them WILL testify because they see how dangerous of an individual Pete is and he WILL do it again if he is not brought to justice. It's easy to sit back and criticize the judge for his actions when you have no ties to this case other than your notoriety for blogging. We are thankful to Judge Williams for taking into consideration everyone involved. It's time to stop victimizing the victims Randy. As a teacher you should understand this.
To the poster at 9:47...WELL SAID!
Some people are so consumed with their selfish "rights," that they compromise their humanity and compassion and trample young kids just to "get their way" by calling it their RIGHTS! Sick. Sounds like Pete....trying to "get his way" no matter the cost.
I have so much compassion for the victims in this terrible case. One can only imagine the turmoil in the minds, heart and souls of each one and they should be considered brave and heroic for coming forward and telling the truth about Pete Newman and his deviant behavior. The parents of the victims should be commended as well for raising these children in a way that allowed them to realize and recognize "wrong" behavior in a trusted adult. I know it will be difficult for them to tell their story in a court of law, but it is necessary for them to carry their heroism and bravery to the next level as this is the ONLY way the perpetrator will be brought to justice and be prevented from EVER taking advantage of children in the in the future. A daunting task has been given to these brave young men...and I want to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. Pete Newman is more dangerous than those that snatch children off the street. He walked among us...as one of use...and used God as a way to manipulate children and their families. He used his charm, wit, outgoing nature and God to seduce his victims while gaining the trust of their families. VERY SCARY!! We all need to know and be aware of his sort...everyone has a RIGHT to know in order to protect ourselves. It is personal to the victims...but, it is also in the public's best interest to know...as a form of education to pass on to our children and others. This will be the good that can come of this situation and the victims can take great pride in being a part of that good.
The public will hear the things that went on inside the courtroom, you will get the facts you are looking for to share with your kids, but not at the expense of having my son go through anymore than he has to with this whole horrible thing. Just because the courtroom is closed doesn't mean you won't hear the facts. The boys are being PROTECTED!!!!
To 10:30 post:
I am in firm agreement that the victims should not be victimized futher... and I can only imagine the pain and heartache you are experiencing as a parent. But, please try to take some consolation (if this is possible)in your son's bravery and willingness to testify as he will be part of getting this very dangerous pedophile off the streets! The indentity of the victim's is not necessary...but, their story is!! Thank your son...tell him so, so many people thank him and consider him a hero!!
I would also like to thank Mr. Turner for covering this story. You are providing a needed public service.
To the poster at 11:04......
Yes, people ARE selfish idiots. They would feel differently if they were on the other side of this.
Praying for your child and ALL these boys!
Praying that PETER be locked up forever.
Praying that the judges continue to act in wisdom.
The pain of the victim's families is palpable. I am sorry for them. I am glad the judge has chosen not to have them victimized even more by allowing the courtroom to become a circus and revealing their identities. I am also glad they will be free to tell what this Mr. Newman did to them without the scrutiny of press and peers. I hope he gets many, many years behind bars.
Courtrooms have always been public forums...and with good reason. To protect our system of justice and to hold the judge, attorneys, clients and witnesses accountable to the adherence of the rules and regulations of the courts. I understand the desire to protect children from possible public humiliation...but, also know the importance of not beginning the practice of closing courtrooms. The closing of courtrooms allows for the potential of so many violations of justice and is against everything this country was built upon.
A closed courtroom doesn't mean there aren't many other witnesses present to ensure that the proceedings are fair to both sides. Another reason for videotaping them.
My hope is that those who are supporting him...some family and a few friends...are not being manipulated by him the way he manipulated his young victims. It took a very charming, outgoing, personable person to pull off this heinous crime for the last 10 plus years. Surely, his family realizes this...surely they know they could be manipulated, too...surely they will hold him accountable and encourage him to do the right thing. Surely.
If you know these people, you know how wonderful and trusting they are. THEY are incapable of this kind of sick behavior, themselves, so it would be impossible for them to imagine Pete doing it. They are just good people. AND YES, they are under his manipulation. Mostly his wife. Can she not see how their whole marriage was just a cover-up of his homosexual tendencies, his inappropriate behavior at camp, and to cause the camp leadership to LET THEIR GUARD DOWN! They got engaged right after he was made to sign a behavioral agreement re: what he should refrain from with boys. His manipulation has worked on them all along, so YES it's working on them now. They are just to close to the forrest to see the trees.
I agree with 12:59 PM. I feel so sorry for his wife. I keep hoping she is with him still just as a human being...you know?? Encouraging him to do the right thing, take his punishment, tell the world what he did and how he did it so we can all know what to look for in the future and avoid this type of pedophile. But...I don't think she is doing this. I think she believes he can be "cured" or she can pray him out of his deviant desires. I am worried for her and the toll it is taking on her and her family. Her beautiful sisters and wonderful parents. She needs distance from Pete in order to see things clearly. Be away from his voice to hear things clearly. I pray for her.
Why just pray for his wife? I love her dearly and it's been so hard for her. But what about Pete's family too? Don't you think this has been extremely hard on his AWESOME parents, and his fantastic 3 brothers?? Knowing first hand from talking with them, it's so painful for all of them. They all struggle constantly. Why can't people see the struggle from HIS family? It's not like they knew it all and ignored it. I've known them for 24 years and my family has known them longer. It's been so hard on all of them that it makes me cry when I hear them talk about it. I can't imagine the heartbreak his mom and dad are going through. I feel awful for the victims, but I also feel bad for Pete's family. They don't deserve to be treated like guilty people. I know them, and if they had known any of this they would have stepped in and done a LOT more. They had no idea and it's been excruciating on all of them. It reminds me that God is the only perfect one. I was a counselor at Kanakuk, along with my two sisters. However, I was the only one at K-Kountry with Pete. I'm glad to be serving a God that is in control. Even when it seems like the question is "where was He?" He was still there and loves everyone. As painful as all of this is, I'm grateful for the amazing time Kanakuk gave me, and for the awesome family the Newmans have been to my family over the years. I pray for healing for their family along with the victims and their families. It's a tragedy that isn't easy on anyone involved. I can't do anything more but pray daily for everyone. You may disagree with things I said, but I know the family very very well. It's painful to hear their side and the pain they feel too. It breaks my heart to hear everyone's story and the pain from everyone. I pray that no one attacks me like I see some people doing. It helps no one to attack others, and it's not what God would want us to do. We may disagree, but it doesn't mean we all have a right to judge or attack other people.
I have felt for Pete's family, but their support while Pete continues to plead NOT GUILTY makes us lose so much respect for a family once looked to as respectable Godly people. Regardless of where their heart is, the right thing is the right thing!!!!!!!!! I'm sick of hearing about poor Pete, poor family of Pete. What about the boys and their families???? They continue to live out the evil that has been caused by this one man BECAUSE this one man AND HIS FAMILY are okay with the NOt GUILTY pleas for their gain. It makes me sick!!!!!!!
I have felt for Pete's family, but their support while Pete continues to plead NOT GUILTY makes us lose so much respect for a family once looked to as respectable Godly people. Regardless of where their heart is, the right thing is the right thing!!!!!!!!! I'm sick of hearing about poor Pete, poor family of Pete. What about the boys and their families???? They continue to live out the evil that has been caused by this one man BECAUSE this one man AND HIS FAMILY are okay with the NOt GUILTY pleas for their gain. It makes me sick!!!!!!!
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