How are you so sure? Why do you claim to know so much about the particulars of this situation? You have no idea if he acted as a predator. Yes, he's supposed to be the mature one, but obviously he isn't. Maybe she started the whole thing, and his ego problems wouldn't allow him to say no. Maybe he was in her yard because she told him to be there. Maybe he was wrapped around her finger, and not the other way around, as you so firmly suggest. The point is, you don't know. Stop pretending that you do.

Look, what he did was wrong, there is no doubt about it, and he should be punished for his crimes. But, while the law does not consider this victim to have committed any crimes, she is still partially guilty. That does not mean it's all her fault, and he's off scot-free. It means, at 15, she is partially to blame, because a 15 year old knows this was not supposed to happen. She knew the rules, and she chose to disregard them. If my 15 year old daughter hooked up with a 30 year old man, I would absolutely make sure the man is prosecuted for his crimes. And you better believe I would also ground my daughter for a long damn time, because she knows better than to do something like that, and she would be guilty of breaking MY laws. Of course, I would not expect the police to charge her with anything. But she would be punished, for sure, because she broke the rules.

If a 30 year old convinces a 15 year old to stay out past curfew, should the parent not punish the 15 year old for breaking the rules just because a 30 year old said it was okay? No.

When a teenager makes a terrible mistake, parents need to react with two emotions, anger and pity. Pity the child for making the mistake and having to live with the consequences, but be angry enough to punish the child so they learn not to do it again. If this girl's parents didn't punish her at all, they made a big mistake. The only lesson she would have taken away from this ordeal would be, "If I let someone take advantage of me, I will be pitied and rewarded." That's not how you raise a strong woman.

This girl went to a school. Schools are supposed to be safe places for our children, from K through 12. Adults should not be shopping for their next date at our schools. I am sure this predator made her feel like queen for a day every time they were together. That is what predators do.
And once again I reiterate why should I as a tax payer have to pay 75,000 to this girl and her family.

I think Sheerer should have to. That would be fair in my eyes. Anyhow I guess he will get to meet Bubba now.

Would someone please tell me how to quote two different people in a reply?

Rev, a while back ceejay made the odd but enlightening comment that she is "not commenting about these particular people." So, all of her remarks are based in theory, which she occasionally blurs into the reality of this particular situation. Moreover she seems to be coming from a place -- at least on this particular issue -- of black and white. One party has to be wholly guilty and the other completely innocent. How dare anyone, then, ascribe any degree of responsibility to the innocent party?

Maybe I watch too much Law and Order (well, no doubt about it, I do) but there are times when children can be tried as adults. Don't get your blood pressure up ceejay -- although I imagine you as being too young to have blood pressure problems -- I'm not saying that this actual girl committed a crime of anything other than judgment. The point is that the law recognizes that people, even children, are responsible for their own actions.

Ceejay will probably say that she was the victim of a predator and therefore not culpable. Well, sorry but there's a difference between a 15 year old and, say, an 8 year old. Plus, this went on for some time. Two years, if I remember correctly? So she was still involved in this at 17????? And all of that time she was under her predator's spell? Right.

But then that would be a specific about this situation, which kind of messes up the theory. Hate it when that happens.

Thanks Pirate for addressing the issue as "in the gray" instead of the black and white like the law does. I watch a lot of Law and Order as well. Victim for 2+ years that is a good question. Who am I to judge though. He was probably letting little head do the thinking for big head, common problem among men.

I find it very interesting ceejay that you are so quick to judge. Not just me or on this subject... but it seems to be in general.
You know nothing about me or my family and to answer your snide remark. Yes, I do have daughters. I also probably know a lot more about this case then you do. Were you at the hearing? Did you hear all the facts or just read the articles? Did you hear any of the testimonies? Like I said before I know this case very well. And there will be another one coming up here soon too, about the Music Teacher from Columbia. I can't wait to hear what you say about that one. And like I stated in my very first post. I would rather keep my job than post how I know these cases and the people involved.