MO - Six Mohler family members for child sex crimes, Bates City 2009 #3

[Suthrnqt]

"I would have liked to copy that directly so my prejudices aren't telegraphed into my translation, but I tried to get the gist of it here. Their copyright said I couldn't quote any of the article, so that is why I attempted to summarize. We have a poster here on WS who believes that the hatred or contempt of men or boys is the number one hate crime in America. I beg to differ and cannot understand how anyone who comes to this board and reads for any length of time could maintain that belief. I'm not trying to minimize crimes to males, but IMO it pales when compared to what is done to the females and children - the sexual abuse of male children is particularly devastating. I will further step out on the gang-plank and say that the attitude of male superiority/dominance/omnipotence is killing the bodies, souls and spirit of our women and children by allowing this screwed up thinking to continue and producing the next generation of criminals/broken humans. If it feels good to you but is harming someone else, it is not OK!! Until the most powerfull segment of society comes to believe that that way of thinking and acting is causing a blight upon our civilization nothing will change. I know women offend too, but I truly believe they were led down that path at some point in their lives by a male who did not have their best interests in his heart and they adopt that as the way to be - we get a self-perpetuating circle. These males have no concern for the harm they are causing, now or in the future, nor to how many people, and the women who depend upon them get sucked into the cess pool and then give birth to the next generation.

I know that was not very P.C. but I've been needing to get that off my chest for awhile. Missizzy's link just verified it for me. I'm not preaching man-hating, I'm preaching self-control on all levels, moderation in all things and it is your business if you see something which you know is not right, not popular concepts today. I think that good men must come to understand this does happen and it is their job and duty to help prevent and control it. Other men are the only thing that will hold sway over these people. The law is not going to help us I'm afraid to say. I'm not suggesting vigilantism, but perhaps the knowlege that you are watching and you do care, about your own wife and children and anyone elses because that is the right thing to do - not the idea that it's his "right" and it's not happening to you, or they are just making that up. No more blind eyes because you would never do that. There is no new evil in this world. "
Quote by IWannaKnow

Thank you so much for stating very eloquently what I have believed for most of my adult life. As a child of molestation(9 - 12 yrs old) I know first hand that adults look the other way and do NOT want to believe such crimes are being committed. At one point my abuser(my step-father) was caught "red-handed" so to speak, and I was soooo relieved. I just knew the abuse would stop. Boy, was I wrong. In the end, I was grounded for 2 weeks and got an a$$ whopping for "tempting" my step-father and "flirting" with him. Then I was told in no uncertain terms, that IF the abuse occurred again, I would be punished more severely, for 'letting" him do as he pleased.
This abuse happened in the early 70's, so there wasn't much help available for a little girl. Finally, in 1975, my dear beloved Grandma saved me and took me to live with her in another state. I shudder to think what my future would have been without her intervention.
Sorry for being so O/T, but I was trying to confirm the fact that victims of molestation are often not believed or even blamed for the abuse. I will go back to lurking mode, and I hope I haven't offended anyone or provided too much personal info.

 

[human]

IWanna Know-
"I will further step out on the gang-plank and say that the attitude of male superiority/dominance/omnipotence is killing the bodies, souls and spirit of our women and children by allowing this screwed up thinking to continue and producing the next generation of criminals/broken humans."

Yes, we as a world have to educate the women of the world and have the equality of men and women.

Did you know that the United States is one of the few nations in the world that has not signed on to the Human rights for Women and Children?

We give lip service to the equality of men and women here, but for example, having a woman president here was considered so daring. But there are many nations that have had women presidents. We are still only a little out of the dark ages in the US.

I'm not talking about having a woman president. I'm talking about the notion that it was considered to be so precedent setting. Think of all that implies. Women are still not considered to be equal to men if we have to have that converstation.

I'm so steamed about the ridiculousness of people's thoughts that women are subservient that I'm getting off my soap box as well.

 

[newcomer]

The overview article helps put things in somewhat of a timeline and shows the big picture. Also, I noticed they said one of the children is now a police officer. I don't know if that was reported previously, but wouldn't that add some credence to the allegations?

Just thinking...

 

[Missizzy]

IWannaKnow--I agree that the Bend article is remarkable. I wish it had seen greater syndication. Hmmm. I wonder if there could be a link to the fact that so many editors are men. I'm pleased to have found it and was sorry to see that the author of the study has moved out of state. I wish she was still in Oregon doing her work.I'll go out on a plank here too, for a moment, and be equally un-PC and slightly OT. These issues are pertinent, though, in looking at the current Mohler case and the fall-out and the greater societal response to childhood sexual abuse and domestic violence.

I've lived in beach towns in Southern California, Central Texas (tiny town of 500), and the SF Bay area-all great places. When we started adopting and our family became strongly trans-cultural (caucasian/Black/Asian) and differently-abled, we began looking for a smaller but tolerant town in which to raise our kids. We really studied our options. We quickly learned that several factors important to our choice was the presence of a college, a strong dedication to the arts, and a vibrant Gay/Lesbian community. Tolerance and the acceptance of diversity. A place where "Peace on Earth" is written in Arabic on the side of one of the largest Christian churches. Where the rabbis, imans, pastors, and Buddhist monks hold functions together. (Come to think of it, I don't recall our local LDS Bishop taking part. They'd be welcomed, though.)

I hadn't really thought about the broader issues highlighted in the Bend article as they pertained to my life--other than my sons' lingering pain over their own rapes. I started pondering some of the broader issues, though.

The town we chose happens to be what one might call kinder and gentler. One could say that men are more "in touch with their feminine side" here. Women are strong. Children are empowered. I know this sounds trite but it truly permeates our community culture. People don't honk here, they speak softly. When someone has a baby (often at home), they get dinners delivered for a month. It's almost comical and cliche but it seems everyone has a massage therapist, goes to book groups, retreats, etc. Boys' soccer teams are just as likely to give hugs at the end of a game as high-fives.

In many ways, it is the antithesis of what I experienced in rural Texas--the land of "boys will be boys". Southern California, while beautiful, was highly stressful and often too "busy" to get involved. The pace is slower and more mindful here. I have a feeling that this is why our children were instantly believed and we've felt supported. It's why our son could "go public" with his abuse story and remain popular and respected in the community. I don't know if we would have had the same experience in a less tolerant or stressed-out town. Why is this?

Obviously, there are wonderful people everywhere. There are jerks and bores and the badly behaved everywhere. There are also evil monsters. After all, one lived next door to us!! But there seems to be a common goal here to rise to a higher level and treat women, children, the disabled, our elders, and animals with deep respect and honor. (Heck, try removing a tree here.) I'm not saying I've found shangri-la. I'm saying that I've lived within a spirited, lovely, supportive community for 16 years. I know this level of mutual respect can be achieved but all men and women, citizens and city officials have to work mindfully towards that goal.

In our community, if someone sees something "concerning", it's reported. Sometimes, we go overboard. Often, three reports will be called in about a dog in a car on a 50 degree day!! A five year old left in a car while a parent pays at a gas station is considered endangerment. Yes, we can become the brunt of jokes as our City Council will debate public nudity or the tethering of dogs for literally months.

We all know that our neighbors are closely watching--not in an accusatory way but in a "ready to step in and help or instruct" sort of way. Of course, I realize this would drive some people to distraction. I happen to expect it and revel in it. One has to experience it to fully appreciate it. I happen to know that this level of caring did not exist in the other places I've lived.

Because we are a tourist town, we have a unique police force. They don't go in with guns blaring and bravado on their sleeve. They talk, they counsel, they listen, they mediate. Recently, there was a gunshot fired (rare around here) and instead of storming the residence, the police just waited for 10 hours until the shooter walked out. The schools naturally wrap their services around children in need. Teachers were already raising red flags to us about our children when they were abused. They were paying attention. I firmly believe that stray animals are treated far better in this town than many women and children in other places. I've never been surprised that this town has an inordinate number of trans-cultural marriages and adoptions. Gays and lesbians have families and teach and pastor churches. We also adopt special needs children in far greater number than average.

I'm not touting the glories of this particular town (well, not really). I'm just trying to say that our family literally required this environment to raise our unique family. I know other wonderful enclaves exist but also know this is not the norm. Our community was founded here as there were natural springs. The natural springs brought in tourists which in turn brought in progressive thought and practices.

I've come to rely on this environment and hope it is somewhat of a template for other communities seeking to improve the lives of the disenfranchised and oft-marginalized. I'm afraid that I often take it for granted. I need to count my blessings.

My hope is that the people of Missouri really sit up and take a close look at this case. This can be a watershed moment for making some powerful changes. The infrastructure exists to protect a child. The common person just needs to be empowered to use it wisely. Every person needs to expect no less than caring support and acceptance from their neighbor.

OK, somebody lend me a hand to get down off this soap-box so I can read the KC overview linked above.

 

[pennydawn]

suthrnqt said: "Finally, in 1975, my dear beloved Grandma saved me and took me to live with her in another state. I shudder to think what my future would have been without her intervention.
Sorry for being so O/T, but I was trying to confirm the fact that victims of molestation are often not believed or even blamed for the abuse. I will go back to lurking mode, and I hope I haven't offended anyone or provided too much personal info."

God bless you and your grandmother. I hope you find great support in lurking here, and telling your story shouldn't offend anyone. You raise valid points here, and I hardly think they're off-topic.

*hugs*

 

[Texas Mist]

IWanna Know-
"I will further step out on the gang-plank and say that the attitude of male superiority/dominance/omnipotence is killing the bodies, souls and spirit of our women and children by allowing this screwed up thinking to continue and producing the next generation of criminals/broken humans."

Yes, we as a world have to educate the women of the world and have the equality of men and women.

Did you know that the United States is one of the few nations in the world that has not signed on to the Human rights for Women and Children?

We give lip service to the equality of men and women here, but for example, having a woman president here was considered so daring. But there are many nations that have had women presidents. We are still only a little out of the dark ages in the US.

I'm not talking about having a woman president. I'm talking about the notion that it was considered to be so precedent setting. Think of all that implies. Women are still not considered to be equal to men if we have to have that converstation.

I'm so steamed about the ridiculousness of people's thoughts that women are subservient that I'm getting off my soap box as well.

human, I think one reason that many believe that men should have the upperhand is due to religious teachings....Until religious organizations find a way to balance their view of Biblical teachings of man as head of household with other scriptures on how to treat their wives & children, and how wives & children should respond to abuse of authority, change will be slow in coming...it is not easy for the powerful to give up their power.

To be clear here, I'm not knocking religion - it's just I know firsthand how it can be an integral part of how & why child sexual abuse occurs (not to mention there are studies indicating there is a correlation in many cases).

 

[Texas Mist]

Also, I'm appalled at the leniency of sentences for RAPISTS...especially child rapists. If they get the max, and aren't paroled, great. But if they get the minimum, some of these alleged perpetrators could be out well in time to do this to some other children.

What sex offenders take from their victims can never be replaced or replenished. Why don't we call this what it is? Fundamentally, they've taken away lives.

Sorry...lots of triggers in this case.

In view of the charges, it *is* unbelievable that there was only 1 Class A felony listed...additionally, I do not recall any charges against them for incest - which incredibly is only a Class D felony.

 

[human]

human, I think one reason that many believe that men should have the upperhand is due to religious teachings....Until religious organizations find a way to balance their view of Biblical teachings of man as head of household with other scriptures on how to treat their wives & children, and how wives & children should respond to abuse of authority, change will be slow in coming...it is not easy for the powerful to give up their power.

To be clear here, I'm not knocking religion - it's just I know firsthand how it can be an integral part of how & why child sexual abuse occurs (not to mention there are studies indicating there is a correlation in many cases).

I agree with you 100%. I still say if we start educating the girls of the world it would make a huge difference.

As weird as it may seem to some, I believe in quantum psychics , string theory, whatever, that we are all united and feel the pain of others even in our cells. It's science. Not woo woo.

We have to raise the lowliest before we can all rise.

 

[Missizzy]

I agree that much of the thrust behind subservience in all societies is religion. Religion, though, is a human construct..a theoretical response to unanswerable questions. Thus, being a construct, humans can modify it and shape it in response to historical evolution. God did not cease "speaking" to us centuries ago. It's an on-going conversation of good will.

I happen to be Christian and very solid in my faith. I also happen to believe that the Jesus I love is a practical and loving being. None of the world's major religions exist in a vacuum. They grow and change in response to human experience. It has been determined that women are not prone to hysteria due to their hormones and can thus vote. It has been determined that children have rights to be safe thus we've made laws to protect them.

One can live a faith-filled life while still being informed and evolved. "Old time religion" is delightful when you are speaking of loving fellowship and traditions of song, food, and meaningful rituals. It ceases to be acceptable when human beings are harmed.
JMO

 

[Missizzy]

Can anyone explain why the lack of Class A Felonies? In the descriptions of the crimes, these actions would be Class A Felonies in our state. If these don't pass the bar, what does?

 

[Texas Mist]

Can anyone explain why the lack of Class A Felonies? In the descriptions of the crimes, these actions would be Class A Felonies in our state. If these don't pass the bar, what does?

I found this webpage @ the university of MO-Columbia --

Missouri Sex Offenses
The following is a description of most sex offense laws in Missouri and Student Legal Services comments about these laws and their application.

http://students.missouri.edu/~sls/index.php?page=19

and was appalled to read this comment regarding the Forcible Sodomy statute:

Comment: Again, forcible compulsion can be: physical force that overcomes reasonable resistance, or a threat that places a person in reasonable fear of death, serious physical injury or kidnapping. This statute is used to prosecute forced deviate sex between two people, which is any form of sexual intercourse other than penile penetration of the vagina. Sexual intercourse with animals used to be included in this crime, but has since been removed and is not found in any other criminal statute.


WTH????

ETA: cannot find laws in Texas specifically addressing sexual abuse of a child involving animals either

 

[Missizzy]

Texas Mist--I agree, bestiality and the lack of laws concerning its practice, is appalling and unacceptable. However, as long as we have people making light of these very serious crimes, we're gonna have a problem. I'm speaking, of course, of pro-life activist, Neal Horsley's, outrageous public comments about his first "girlfriend"--a mule. Most definitely--NOT funny. I'm not going to even link to that.

Many states are grappling with these issues right now. There are some who theorize that the upswing in cases can be attributed to meth use and the supposed anonymous sharing on the internet. I've turned to the three sites linked below frequently. It is absolutely shocking how often child and animal defense are linked due to the crossover of abuse. Many people don't know the interesting history of the American Humane Society. I suggest everyone read up as we're going to see this coming up again and again. We, as a society are going to have to send a strong message that bestiality MUST stop.

Since legislators often don't like to be associated with bills concerning bestiality--just as they once shied away from child and other indelicate subjects, I encourage everyone to support one of the animal defense leagues and write emails encouraging politicians to listen to the advise of these leagues.

http://www.americanhumane.org

http://www.animallaw.info/articles/ovuszoophilia.htm

http://www.aldf.org

 

[HenryWagler]

I've been reading Websleuths for at least 4 years but never felt compelled to post until this case, which I have watching since the news first broke.

What struck me about the article written by By JUDY L. THOMAS, DONALD BRADLEY and BRIAN BURNES of The Kansas City Star entitled "Accusers, defenders paint contrasting portraits of family in child-sex case" (thank you WFGODOT) was the following line:

“It’s not about sex. It’s about power and control,” said Judith Ann Cohen, who specializes in child-rape cases at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. “A man who feels he is king of his castle gets to abuse his children because, well, you can if you’re king of your castle.”

I have to wonder what BM Sr's sons went through as children. I can't believe BM Sr's urge to exert his power over those he was charged to protect suddenly emerged as a mid-life crisis in his early 50s. This must go so much deeper. Was it easier to do what Dad wanted than to stand up to him?

Don't misunderstand me; I have zero tolerance for perpetrators of offenses against children. I just have to wonder if BM Jrs kids are the only ones victimized.

Wow, my first post...wasn't as hard as I thought....

 

[lbminnesota]

I've been reading Websleuths for at least 4 years but never felt compelled to post until this case, which I have watching since new first broke.

What struck me about the article written by By JUDY L. THOMAS, DONALD BRADLEY and BRIAN BURNES of The Kansas City Star entitled "Accusers, defenders paint contrasting portraits of family in child-sex case" (thank you WFGODOT) was the following line:

“It’s not about sex. It’s about power and control,” said Judith Ann Cohen, who specializes in child-rape cases at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. “A man who feels he is king of his castle gets to abuse his children because, well, you can if you’re king of your castle.”

I have to wonder what BM Sr's sons went through as children I can't believe BM Sr's urge to exert his power over those he was charged to protect suddenly emerged as a mid-life crisis in his early 50s. This must go so much deeper. Was it easier to do what Dad wanted than to stand up to him?

Don't misunderstand me; I have zero tolerance for perpetrators of offenses against children. I just have to wonder if BM Jrs kids are the only ones victimized.

Wow, my first post...wasn't as hard as I thought....

Great post; in total agreement.

Most of us can't get our heads around these acts because it's so foreign to us. The article explains in generational sexual abuse, it becomes a natural part of the family dynamics. They boys grew up with this and continued the ritual with Ed's children. I wonder why only Ed's children were involved or if they the only children to come forward.

 

[Missizzy]

Found this at:

http://www.examiner.com/x-30427-St-...se-very-graphic?cid=channel-rss-Relationships

"If any member of the Mohler family, sexually abused you or someone you know, St. Louis Abusive Relationships Examiner, Angela Ricketts, asks that you come forth and report the incident or incidents to the proper authorities. This horrific case will be followed until its conclusion and updates of any information will be made available as frequently as possible. Abuse is never okay. Help stop the cycle now."

This is great but I wish it had gone further and exhorted anyone who had suffered or had knowledge of past or current child sexual abuse to come forward. Talk about reaching out to the masses. Remember a while back when I mentioned the idea of hanging public education posters in public restrooms? I still think that's a viable idea.

 

[Missizzy]

Welcome Henry--Pretty much sums it up, huh? I agree, this is most probably multi-generational and the tragedy is that adults are expected to move past their horrid pasts and become productive citizens. I guess one is just expected to straighten up and fly right upon reaching adulthood. Usually much easier said than done.

I sincerely believe that we are not going to ever see rehabilitation or even remorse until we address the hurt child inside of most adult abusers.

Once again, welcome!! I'll watch for more more posts.

 

[HenryWagler]

The following points have caused me hours of thought:

1) 2 of BM Sr's children (BM Jr Firefighter, RM EMT) and one allegedly abused grandchild (unidentified police officer) chose careers whose purpose is TO SAVE PEOPLE. What does this say??? "I could not save my self/my siblings/children but I will spend my life trying to save the lives of others?" or??

2) What would make me abuse my own children? Maybe if that part of my soul that instinctively urges me to protect those younger/more helpless was shattered prior? Because perhaps I was forced at a young age to abuse those I felt I was to protect such as my brothers???

3) Why does DM and RM have families that seem removed from the whole incest scenario?

4) Why did JM never marry and why are his home and BM Sr's the only ones in which tapes/photos were found. Do some desire to forget while some strive to keep the memories alive??

This case troubles me so.

 

[wfgodot]

Yes, HenryWagler, welcome, and more, more! And thanks for thanking me for being your first-post inspiration, having posted that link. The KC Star's a pretty darned good newspaper, so with cases within its coverage area I always watch for their articles (plus I learned to read long ago by slogging through its pages).

 

[HenryWagler]

Missizzy - I have read your personal comments expressed throughout the first two threads of this story. I am at a loss for words. Firstly, to take on the responsibility for the love and care for special needs children not biologically yours and then live through their abuse with them while pursuing justice at no cost - you are an amazing parent. I hope you counsel others; you are an inspiration.

 

[Missizzy]

Henry--

1) Compartmentalism
2) You are correct...a shattering or a certain numbness
3) When you find out, let us know!!
4) My guess is that those homes were considered the safest