MO - Six Mohler family members for child sex crimes, Bates City 2009 #4

[Missizzy]

Very late to the table but surprised (and not) to see this news. While trying to find out more information, I found this surprising headline:

http://www.kspr.com/news/local/kspr...-his-trial-20111031,0,3130691.story?track=rss

Missouri Man Accused of Molesting Young Boys Dies Before His Trial


I'm not sure if it's a reporter's mistake or if there's something we don't know. In the original arrest warrants, there is only one boy mentioned. That boy grew up to be the man who wore a wire and confronted his father about the abuse, which led to the arrests.

You have to wonder how the victims will process this news. Obviously, if guilty, the man will hurt no one else. But do they get closure in some way? Will there be any further proceedings against Darrel Mohler or has he moved on? Are we certain that his death was from natural causes?

 

[wfgodot]

Attorneys: Costs, mistrust delaying Mohler trials (kansascity.com)

a lengthy update

 

[Missizzy]

I've heard a very similar comment from many many victims of childhood sexual abuse (from the link above):

"...the alleged victims did block or repress many of those memories until 2008, but not all of them, and declined to concede it was a repressed memory case...."

I think this is common. Those who have lived through the unimaginable seem to compartmentalize and box up those memories that are simply too painful to examine. They don't forget that they're on the shelf (the third one from the top of the coat closet) but they just can't risk digging into the box.

My heart goes out to all alleged victims as they are brave enough to crawl up there, bring down the box, and open it up.

 

[Blue_Dolphin308]

I've heard a very similar comment from many many victims of childhood sexual abuse (from the link above):

"...the alleged victims did block or repress many of those memories until 2008, but not all of them, and declined to concede it was a repressed memory case...."

I think this is common. Those who have lived through the unimaginable seem to compartmentalize and box up those memories that are simply too painful to examine. They don't forget that they're on the shelf (the third one from the top of the coat closet) but they just can't risk digging into the box.

My heart goes out to all alleged victims as they are brave enough to crawl up there, bring down the box, and open it up.

As a trauma survivor, it is quite easy for us to block things out. Later down the road when our psyche feels we are ready to deal with the horrible memories of our past, it will let little tidbits out about the abuse we suffered as a child but could not face back then.

 

[Wintergreen]

Thank you so much for posting, wfgodot. After reading the article you found, I stumbled across another related story on kansascity.com that begins with "Silence rules for now, but that will change in courtroom." This one is written by Donald Bradley of Kansas City Star:

http://www.kansascity.com/2011/11/18/3275878/mohlers-incest-trials-will-begin.html

 

[Wintergreen]

Another new article today states that the prosecutor may be forced to testify in her own cases....has anyone ever heard of this happening before?

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2011/11/21/judge-oks-prosecutor-testimony-family-sex-case/

 

[Wintergreen]

Same AP story but posted later yesterday with some new details:

http://www.kansascity.com/2011/11/21/3279247/judge-oks-prosecutor-testimony.html

"Frank Bowman, a University of Missouri Law School professor, said he has heard of cases in which a prosecutor was called to the stand, but they’re rare and generally involved some malfeasance on the part of the prosecutor. Otherwise, he doesn’t see why such testimony would be required. It is, at the very least, extraordinarily unusual,” Bowman said. “It surprises me that the judge did not make a vigorous inquiry into why the defense attorney thought testimony from the prosecutor would be relevant and admissible,” he said."

Also, another story from American Bar Association Journal on subject of prosecutor being called as witness:

http://www.abajournal.com/news/arti...o_avail_being_called_as_witness_in_child_sex/

 

[Missizzy]

I find this very curious, indeed. I did some research and can find no similar scenarios at all. I wonder why the judge made this call? Very strange.

One thought I've had is that if expert witnesses are called concerning repressed memory cases, there will surely be numerous expert witnesses and amicus curiae from those who do not recognize the veracity of any case not immediately reported. I'm just left shaking my head.

Interesting but there have been a number of recent columns and commentaries about the need to extend the SOL on allegations such as this as it's becoming exceedingly clear that victims do NOT often report in a timely fashion.

Sorry but trauma doesn't always follow a neat little path nor pay attention to filing dates.

 

[Wintergreen]

I'm shaking my head too, Missizzy. What would make an attorney call a prosecutor as a defense witness?

Regarding memories, the article posted by wfgodot last week identified only three of the victims as describing repressed memories. In this same article the prosecutor countered that the alleged victims "did block or repress many of those memories until 2008, but not all of them, and declined to concede it was a repressed memory case." The more recent articles don't seem so clear in this regard:

http://www.kansascity.com/2011/11/19/3275270/attorneys-costs-mistrust-delayling.html

 

[Missizzy]

Wintergreen--That article is brutal to read. So many people do not realize the pain and embarrassment by coming forward with disclosures. They don't realize that every scrap of the VICTIMS' medical, therapeutic, educational and financial records will be laid open in court. Even personal diaries and letters. It's so tremendously humiliating and humbling.

I'd like someone to explain to me just why a person would choose to do this to themselves for any other reason than for justice or to protect other children.

 

[wfgodot]

Two counts dropped in Mohler sex crimes case (kansascity.com)

LEXINGTON, Mo. | A Missouri prosecutor on Monday agreed to drop two felony counts against a Columbia man charged with sexually abusing young relatives three decades ago.
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Lawyers agreed during a hearing Monday to drop one count each of rape and use of a child in a sexual performance against Jared Mohler because the charges, one from 1986 and one from 1984, were brought after the statute of limitations expired, Lafayette County Prosecutor Kellie Wingate Campbell said.
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more at link above

 

[davehead21]

Burrell Mohler Sr. released from jail

LIBERTY, MO (KCTV/AP) - After more than two years behind bars, 79-year-old Burrell Mohler Sr. is being released pending his trial on charges he molested young relatives three decades ago.

http://www.kctv5.com/story/16960725/burrell-mohler-sr-released

 

[Missizzy]

I've closely followed this case from the day it broke and I'm not sure how I feel. I realize that Mohler is most likely not a flight risk but I do worry greatly about his possible contact with children. In fact, I worry very much.

Many family members still seem ready to defend the man and that can be a dangerous thing. I'm very anxious for these men....and their alleged victims...to have their day (weeks?) in court.

 

[mysteriew]

I'm beginning to believe they will never go to trial.

 

[Missizzy]

It's appalling to think how long the victims have waited for some closure.

 

[jjenny]

I'm beginning to believe they will never go to trial.

I am not sure that they should go to trial.
I don't find "repressed" memories to be all that credible. And obviously police didn't find any bodies of the man that was supposedly killed, etc.

 

[Belinda]

I don't know what to think about this case. I do find it odd that no body or jars with notes has been found. Yet, it could be that the memory of where they are buried is somehow skewed. I will simply pray that the right thing happens with this case, whatever that may be.

 

[Missizzy]

I have a strong sense that there WAS indeed abuse here. If you study the court records, the state has spent an incredible amount of money and time on the investigation and depositions with this family. I firmly believe that if the evidence didn't uphold the fact that abuse occurred, this case would have fallen apart long ago. I can never forget how long the children's mother attempted to get help or the fact that the victims secretly disclosed to others along the way. I hold to the theory that the son wore a wire to ensnare his father--because the dad had a new family with children. IIRC, the son is a LEO. I just can't buy that these adults would do this for any other reason rather than closure and/or safety for other children.

I'm also not certain that this is a repressed memory case. I simply don't believe that these adult kids woke up suddenly and remembered these assaults. It always appeared that they'd been grappling with victimhood for years. Bottom line is that a case like this is brutal and I can't imagine folks carrying on for reprisal of some sort. JMO

I'm very very anxious to see this trial start.

 

[Missizzy]

I'm ready to listen.


http://www.kansascity.com/2012/02/17/3435554/senior-mohler-defendant-released.html#storylink=cpy

"...Earlier this week, the alleged six victims said they are eager to tell their stories in court...."

More at link

 

[Belinda]

Wonder why they all of a sudden let the older Mohler go on his own recognizance? I find that rather odd, after 2 years.