In your opinion, why do you think Ron and Misty REALLY got married?

[LiveLaughLuv]

My reasons why I think they married.

1. - statutory rape charges (after Haleigh is found)

2. - custody fight for Crystal to get her children back

3. - Misty is pregnant

4. - Misty's parents would eventually be brought up on charges of neglect, not being responsible for their underage child, allowing her underage daugther to live with older man

5. - spousal privledge ( not testifying against each other not understanding the law, they still can be used to testify)

6. - getting the jump before Crystal Sheffield's

 

[kiki the parrot]

In this particular case there is so much possible testimony beyond w/e crime(s) may directly relate to the disappearance or possible death of a spouse's child not covered by spousal privilege and which therefore could still be compelled... drugs eg and weapons charges come to mind, and some of the other types of criminal activities to which Cobra seems to be alluding... sale of "folks" eg (if not a child of a spouse) and Lord knows what else. Just saying there may be other incentives beyond statutory or custody motive for dad to marry child bride, and vice versa. She too could conceivably face criminal charges for that matter, ones unrelated to, or in excess of, those covered by privilege. As I understand it would be those charges theoretically relating to the child ie negligence, abuse, endangerment or other potential crimes involving Haleigh for which the privilege could be applied--but that still leaves a world of possible motives to marry. JMO.

arrot:

 

[snookie]

4. - Misty's parents would eventually be brought up on charges of neglect, not being responsible for their underage child, allowing her underage daugther to live with older man.

(respectfully snipped)

I've thought of this too.... it's like they're passing her off.

Now that she's married, she's emancipated and is no longer their legal responsibility.

 

[EmMomma]

Too bad being married doesn't automatically make one an adult........

:clap:


...or having a child.

 

[SissyPo]

I believe for a few reaons, to avoid rape charges, she may be pregnant or to keep her silence.....

 

[nnglas]

I not sure the statutory rape charges would be a factor. I live in NC and around here those charges are rarely used. If they are it is because the parents of the minor make a fuss. I mean there is no real way to prove that these 2 people are having sex, unless she is pregnant. And her mother knew where she was all along seemingly without any problem. In the state of Florida a parent can file a petition for a minor to be emancipated. So I just don't see any realistic reason for fear of prosecution.

 

[Jholi]

I not sure the statutory rape charges would be a factor. I live in NC and around here those charges are rarely used. If they are it is because the parents of the minor make a fuss. I mean there is no real way to prove that these 2 people are having sex, unless she is pregnant. And her mother knew where she was all along seemingly without any problem. In the state of Florida a parent can file a petition for a minor to be emancipated. So I just don't see any realistic reason for fear of prosecution.

The difference, I expect, is that this situation is in the public eye, making it impossible for LE to overlook. It is a felony (class 2 felony if it turns out that Misty is pregnant, right?) and doesn't require parents to make a fuss for LE to investigate or prosecute.

I would guess that LE has heard quite a few complaints by the public about it and let Ron know that they wouldn't be able to stand idly by, especially if it were to continue under their noses with the public watching.

 

[nnglas]

The difference, I expect, is that this situation is in the public eye, making it impossible for LE to overlook. It is a felony (class 2 felony if it turns out that Misty is pregnant, right?) and doesn't require parents to make a fuss for LE to investigate or prosecute.

I would guess that LE has heard quite a few complaints by the public about it and let Ron know that they wouldn't be able to stand idly by, especially if it were to continue under their noses with the public watching.

But what would be the point of getting married now? He has already committed the crime. If they were going to arrest him they would have already done it. And, like I said, unless she is pregnant, they really can't prove there was sex.

 

[Jholi]

But what would be the point of getting married now? He has already committed the crime. If they were going to arrest him they would have already done it. And, like I said, unless she is pregnant, they really can't prove there was sex.

Well, first, I don't think this is the only reason they married. And I don't think they would have already arrested him. I would expect them to wait at least until the current issue were off the front burner.

But while getting married doesn't absolve him, it does take the heat off somewhat, probably slows down the complaints, and allows them to continue sleeping together.

It's like the obligation to testify: marriage doesn't protect them completely, but it does put up a hurdle, in that now everything LE wants to know must first be proven to be relevant to Haleigh's disappearance. That muddies the waters significantly.

As for proving they had sex, I have a hard time believing Ron or Misty would even try to deny it. They might be offered a polygraph.

(If anyone cares enough to look it up, another consideration is that, in Texas at least, I don't think LE has to prove sex - IIRC, simply living together as a couple is enough. I don't know what the laws are in Florida.)

 

[pirate]

The difference, I expect, is that this situation is in the public eye, making it impossible for LE to overlook. It is a felony (class 2 felony if it turns out that Misty is pregnant, right?) and doesn't require parents to make a fuss for LE to investigate or prosecute.

I would guess that LE has heard quite a few complaints by the public about it and let Ron know that they wouldn't be able to stand idly by, especially if it were to continue under their noses with the public watching.

You are right. The State Attorney can file those charges. The "victims" parents have nothing to do with it.

And if the pregnancy rumors are true, I doubt she got pregnant on Thursday night and found out about it today. So there is the proof of second degree felony sex with a minor.

 

[nnglas]

You are right. The State Attorney can file those charges. The "victims" parents have nothing to do with it.

And if the pregnancy rumors are true, I doubt she got pregnant on Thursday night and found out about it today. So there is the proof of second degree felony sex with a minor.

Im sure that the State Attorney can file the charges. I am not saying that it cannot be done. What I am saying is I doubt that it would be done. I am a paralegal in NC and I do not see alot of statutory rape cases unless someone makes a fuss. That someone is usually a parent. I find it hard to believe that the State Attorney would waste his time on a case like this. Now if she is pregnant that would provide some proof. But nobody has said she is pregnant yet.

And marrying her is not the only option. Her mother could have her emancipated, she could move in with his mother until all this is resolved. All Im saying is that statutory rape charges are probably not the motive. Because it is not likely he would be arrested for it.

 

[pirate]

Im sure that the State Attorney can file the charges. I am not saying that it cannot be done. What I am saying is I doubt that it would be done. I am a paralegal in NC and I do not see alot of statutory rape cases unless someone makes a fuss. That someone is usually a parent. I find it hard to believe that the State Attorney would waste his time on a case like this. Now if she is pregnant that would provide some proof. But nobody has said she is pregnant yet.

And marrying her is not the only option. Her mother could have her emancipated, she could move in with his mother until all this is resolved. All Im saying is that statutory rape charges are probably not the motive. Because it is not likely he would be arrested for it.

Oh I totally agree about that not being the reason for them to get married. I think you misunderstood my post- and that's my own fault.


The SA might follow through on charges on this one though- people are really making a stink and he's new to the office. I wouldn't be surprised to see charges.

 

[Scorpian]

I find it ironic that LE checked out the 44 RSO/SO's in the area while RC appears to be a SO himself by definition of the crime...some of the 44 checked out may be where they are for the doing the same thing as RC, only they got caught...so did RC but so far nothing has come of his activities, yet.

I wonder if any of the 44 checked out asked LE why RC hadn't been arrested yet? Not deminishing what they have done but just ironic. I know it's for Haleigh they had to be looked into.

 

[nnglas]

Oh I totally agree about that not being the reason for them to get married. I think you misunderstood my post- and that's my own fault.


The SA might follow through on charges on this one though- people are really making a stink and he's new to the office. I wouldn't be surprised to see charges.

No problem. I totally get your point. I guess I really am saying that if I lived in this community I would be upset with using resources to have him arrested for statutory rape, especially when all parents involved seemed to previously think that it was ok for her to live with him. I mean she wasn't living at home for whatever reason, it seems maybe her mom didn't care either way. Was the girl supposed to live on the street? Her mom needs to take some responsibility in the situation.

 

[Jholi]

No problem. I totally get your point. I guess I really am saying that if I lived in this community I would be upset with using resources to have him arrested for statutory rape, especially when all parents involved seemed to previously think that it was ok for her to live with him. I mean she wasn't living at home for whatever reason, it seems maybe her mom didn't care either way. Was the girl supposed to live on the street? Her mom needs to take some responsibility in the situation.

I'm sorry, but I can't agree with this at all. Some parents are egregiously negligent. Just because they are not taking responsibility and/or don't have a problem with what is happening with their kids should never be an excuse for LE not to enforce the laws meant to protect those kids.

 

[nnglas]

I'm sorry, but I can't agree with this at all. Some parents are egregiously negligent. Just because they are not taking responsibility and/or don't have a problem with what is happening with their kids should never be an excuse for LE not to enforce the laws meant to protect those kids.

So do you think he should be arrested for statutory rape? Perhaps her mother should be arrested for child neglect. Was she supposed to live on the streets, like previously suggested. All I am saying is that there are alot of people involved in breaking this law. And Im sorry I just don't see LE taking the time with a case such as this. Does that mean that they aren't wrong? No, I think they are all wrong. To be honest I don't agree with the whole living arrangements at all. Jr sleeping in the bed with them, Haleigh on floor in the same bedroom. It all seems so "ghetto" for a lack of better words.

 

[FightTheOstrich]

Because I cannot even begin to venture a guess. I'd like to vote for b/c it is part of the script. I know different story....

 

[poco]

I hope I never figure out why crazy people do crazy things because then I'd probably have to admit that I am crazy.

Takes one to know one!

 

[Jholi]

So do you think he should be arrested for statutory rape? Perhaps her mother should be arrested for child neglect. Was she supposed to live on the streets, like previously suggested. All I am saying is that there are alot of people involved in breaking this law. And Im sorry I just don't see LE taking the time with a case such as this. Does that mean that they aren't wrong? No, I think they are all wrong. To be honest I don't agree with the whole living arrangements at all. Jr sleeping in the bed with them, Haleigh on floor in the same bedroom. It all seems so "ghetto" for a lack of better words.

There is a reason for the statutory rape laws, and not enforcing them consistently creates problems, including encouraging disrespect for laws and LE. If the laws aren't worthy of being enforced, change them.

Yes, there are a lot of people breaking the law - many laws. That doesn't mean it should be completely ignored when it is observed. When the world sees it happening under LE's nose, they need to see LE following the law - it is their job.

And yes, once this acute crisis situation passes, I do think he should be charged with that and any other crime he has been seen to have committed, and yes, Misty's mother should have been held accountable for any parental neglect laws she broke. (Have you seen her rap sheet? )

If LE chooses not to enforce the law in a given case, then they need to stand up and tell the angry public why they think the crime was justified.

 

[Tom'sGirl]

The topic of this thread is a question:

"Why do you think Ron and Misty REALLY got married?"

post your answer but let's not drift off on case discussions here.