|
Updated: 8:02 PM Jul 15, 2008
Wheels of Justice Stalled in Kanawha County?
Some people who say they were victims of sexual abuse claim the system is re-victimizing them again. Posted: 7:59 PM Jul 15, 2008Reporter: Will Jones Email Address: will.jones@wsaz.com |
|
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- It has been ten months after a Kanawha County pastor was arrested and charged with sexually abusing teenage boys in the early 1990s. The case against Sandy Cook still has yet to go to trial.
One man who claims he's a victim says a slow-moving court system is victimizing him all over again.
David Mullins says he's not afraid or ashamed anymore to share his past of sexual abuse. He says it was at the hands of Pastor Sandy Cook eighteen years ago.
"There's nothing he can do to me. I am not that 13 or 14 year old kid," David Mullins said.
Mullins first told his story to investigators after Cook was charged in September 2007 with sexually abusing and sexually assaulting children in 1994.
Pastor Mike Lewis says he was also one of those victims.
"Started around 13. It happened for three and four years," Pastor Mike Lewis said.
Now they say the case against Cook has stalled.
"Why has it taken a year to get to the grand jury? Why is he so low on priority?" asked Mullins.
He says what's so hard to understand is that Cook is out on bond and according to his bail agreement, he's still allowed to be around children.
In some other sexual abuse cases, contact with minors is forbidden.
"There is still that potential chance. Why not keep away from children? Why not keep him away from the victims?" said Mullins.
Kanawha County Magistrate Joe Shelton stands by his decision not to forbid Cook from having contact with children. Shelton says Cook knows not to break any laws.
The Kanawha County Prosecuting Attorney's Office says it can not comment on a pending case. Sandy Cook did not return our phone call.
[ Copyright 2009 – WSAZ.com. All Rights Reserved. ]
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Severe Weather and Breaking News Coverage
To send a news tip or submit a story idea, e-mail news@wsaz.com
Latest Comments
Hang in there David and keep fighting the good fight. It may not seem like it now, but you will reap the benefits for yourself and all victims in this regard, later. Don’t be deterred by the negative and cruel people out there. It’s not a matter of intelligence as much is as it is ignorance, which is two different issues. You can educate the ignorant. If you stay true to your word and focus on preventing harm to future victims while looking for your own justice, you will be a hero to us all.
[ Report Abuse ]
I thank this man for gaining the courage to come forward. Maybe another abused child will hear of this case and gather their courage just as David. Unless you have walked in these shoes, don't be too fast to judge. May God forvid it happen to your child or grandchild. You are in my prayers, I hope you find peace in the near future.
[ Report Abuse ]
What many of you don't seem to know is that when a child is abused, not only does his/her abuser often threaten the child or loved ones if they tell, but it also creates a stigma in the mind of the child that he/she somehow may have caused this to happen, and it is a very embarrassing situation for a child to be in. Then, as a child gets older, the event may be blocked from his/her memory, or the person knows they won't be believed, so why try? Especially in the case of such a "trusted" person doing the abuse. Many times adult rape victims won't come forward to accuse their rapists for the same reason, the shame, did they cause any of it, and how they, not the person committing the crime, will be looked upon. Your rude comments don't help at all.
[ Report Abuse ]
|
Popular Searches Powered by Local.com |
- Two Flown to Hospital After Car Crash
- Missing 7-Year-Old Boy Found Safe
- Man Caught with 700 Xanax Pills
- Charleston Rock Radio Station Changes to Christmas Format
- Man Handcuffed to Stairwell Escapes
- Winfield High School Teacher, Coach Injured in Car Accident
- UPDATE: Boy Who Scares Away Car Thief Talks; Surveillance Video Released
- Woman Stabbed in St. Albans
- WV Final Week; OH & KY Playoff Scores (11/6)
- Ohio Sex Offender Arrested in Logan County
- UPDATE: Boy Who Scares Away Car Thief Talks; Surveillance Video Released
115 Comments - Charleston Rock Radio Station Changes to Christmas Format
28 Comments - Hurricane Employees Receive Pay Checks; Special Meeting Set for Unpaid Bills
26 Comments - Winfield High School Teacher, Coach Injured in Car Accident
23 Comments - Huntington Shows Off New Police Cruisers and Equipment
21 Comments - Mother of Man Killed By Police Files Wrongful Death Suit
14 Comments
![]() |
Full 2010 Olympic coverage from the WSAZ Olympic Zone. Coverage begins Friday, Feb. 12, at 7:30p with the Opening Ceremony on WSAZ |
![]() |
A glittering holiday show full of fun and surprises for the whole family! Children thrill as Santa takes them on a magical ride to his workshop. |
![]() |
Healthy Connections Find a local health professional |
![]() |
Mom4Moms A collection of resources here to help Moms weather the daily storms that come along with parenting. |
| SOMC Very good things are happening here |
|
| WV Lottery Nightly drawings and numbers |
|
| Big Sandy For all your furniture and appliance needs |
|
| Healthy Tri-State Tips to live a healthier lifestyle |




