By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
An international operation to help rid the world of some child predators and pornographers reeled in 170 people around the world. The operation was called Operation Joint Hammer. 61 of those arrested were located in the United States. It is most disturbing that this is a world wide problem. Many young girls, who were captive victims of sexual abuse, were rescued in this operation.
By Stephanie Brown, Attorney, and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
In an effort to deter sex offenders from further crimes and to monitor their computer activities, the State of Georgia passed a law that requires sex offenders to disclose their passwords for internet, e mails, and screen names to authorities. It is estimated that there are 16,000 registered sex offenders in the State of Georgia. Legislators, who approved the law, have taken the position that the law is for the protection of children. Opponents to the law state that it is a violation of the privacy rights of the sex offenders. We expect that the law will be challenged on privacy issues and will go before the Georgia appellate courts for review at some point in time in the future.
By Anthony Ferguson, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Matteo Hansen, an 18 month toddler, died as a result of injuries sustained at an apartment complex in Wilton, Maine. Further investigation by local police and the medical examiner’s office indicate that the death was not caused by an accident but by homicide. As such, an arrest was recently made in this tragic case. Maine State Police report that David Cook, the 25 year old boyfriend of the mother, was arrested for the death of Matteo Hansen. The details of the autopsy and forensic evidence have not been released of yet. People in the community of Wilton, Maine are closely following this story as the death of Matteo Hansen. The Child Injury Lawyer Network would like to thank a concerned citizen of the Wilton, Maine community for alerting us as to the recent arrest of David Cook. Children are the greatest resource for any community. The safety of children should be the focus of parents, extended family, teachers, and the community in general. Unfortunately, child abuse and neglect continues to be a problem in small and large communities alike. You can read more about the Matteo Hansen story at Boyfriend Arrested for Toddler’s Death in Wilton, Maine.
By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
An English teacher in North Carolina faces child pornography charges. The North Carolina State Bureua of Investigation is looking into the acts of a Durham North Carolina teacher who may have participated in the sharing of over 1800 images over the Internet. Through the efforts of law enforcement agents in an undercover online investigation, the computer activity of an internet address linked to Willem J. Pet, a English teacher at Southern High School in Durham, North Carolina, has been linked to photos of underage children engaging in sexual intercourse with adults. The evidence of hundreds of images will be used as part of any state or federal potential future prosecution of Willem Pet and any other individuals engaged in the ownership or dissemination of the child pornography materials.
By Anthony Ferguson, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Are Day Care Centers in Maine required to carry liability insurance? The simple answer to this important question is Yes. Liability insurance will cover medical bills and the pain and suffering of an injured child that result from the negligence or lack of supervision of the day care facility and its employees. The Maine Department of Heath and Human Services (DHHS) requires that day care centers have liability insurance in place of at least $100,000. There are some exception for this requirement if a person is using his or her own home for a day care program. Most day care centers are operated as a business outside of one’s home. A children’s day care facility or center is defined as a house or other place in which a person carries out a regular program for consideration (i.e. payment, money) for any part of the day for the care, protection, and supervision of three or more children under the age of 13 years of age.
By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
The Associated Press reported a very good but sad story about the trafficking of children for slave and indentured servant type of labor in the United States. The children were reported to work day and night with little to no breaks and very poor wages. While many think that these arrangements only take place outside of the United States, there are numerous reports showing child labor and child labor trafficking as a real problem in California and other States in the United States. You can read the sad stories of some of these children at Child Maid Trafficking – A Real Problem in the United States.
By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Wayne Bent, who calls himself the second coming of Christ, is yet another church leader in New Mexico that has been arrested and will stand child not as a church leader but as a sexual predator. Bent recently gave an interview to ABC Good Morning America to clarify his actions to his followers who attended the interview. Bent is the 67 year old leader of a fringe church called the Lord of Our Righteous Church. Bent admitted to Good Morning America that he did lay next to one of the naked teenagers and put his hand on her chest (sternum). How this can be any part of a reputable and traditional church procedure, service, or prayer ceremony is really beyond any comprehension? Bent’s unusual rituals go right into his teachings according to former church members. One former church member stated that one stipulation of the church is that Bent is the only person who can have sex with church members.
By Stephanie Brown, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Churches in Alpharetta, Georgia and other towns should be places of refuge, safety, fun, and prayer for children. Unfortunately, many churches in small and big towns alike are the sites of abuse, neglect, molestation, and sexual abuse of children who are in the very churches to be cared for. Alpharetta is a community in the Atlanta, Georgia area. Reverend Derek Gillett, pastor of Cornerstone Community Chapel in Forsyth County and a youth group leader, was arrested Friday on criminal charges of aggravated child molestation and sodomy. Other clergy members were quite surprised by the arrest. Reveren Gillett was arrested and held without bond. You can read more about this story at Pastor Accused of Molesting Two Georgia Teens.
By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
A 16 year old boy recently freed himself from captivity from a California home in the United States. . . yes, a boy was shackled like an animal in the country known for being the home of the free. Another suspect was recently arrested for his role in the case involving the ongoing torture, child endangerment, and corporal injury as well as false imprisonment to the 16 year old boy. Three other suspects were previously arrested in this bizarre case that came to light when the boy escaped and was found by good samaritans at a local gym who stepped in and got the boy some help, freedom, and safety. Reports indicate that the boy spent 1 year in captivity. The torture, personal injury, mental and physical pain and suffering for this year is hard to completely appreciate. Hopefully, justice will prevail regarding the criminals who caused harm to this child. Furthermore, let’s hope that the child gets the medical attention and counseling he so greatly needs after being held captive for 1 year.
By Brooks P. Lynn, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Edel Sum, the owner / operator of a Round Rock, Texas day care center in her home, was arrested for child endangerment. Apparently, Ms. Sum left her home and 4 children under the age of 2. The children were left in the home alone with absolutely no parental supervision While she was out, she was involved in an automobile accident. She then informed the police officer that she needed to go home in order to take care of the children. A neighbor was able to get into the home to find the children in their play pens.
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