A multi-layered sex crime involving an 18-year-old Pinal man and over a dozen teenage girls has been termed "extraordinary," by one child abuse expert.
The sheriff's office has described the man a as a serial sex offender who charmed his way into manipulating girls between the ages of 12 and 17 to have sex with him. The girls who were allegedly involved knew the man and trusted him. But some of the victims claimed they had to move to get out of his grasp and that he had threatened them with death if they told anyone about their sexual activity.
Although the 18-year-old man has allegedly been carrying out the sexual assaults since age 13, no evidence from the school he attended was uncovered. While some of the female students admitted to dating the young man and claimed to have consensual sex with him, others said they were forced to do it.
One 15-year-old-girl told police about her relationship with the man. After repeated texting, he gave her the impression he was a law enforcement official. The girl admitted to having enjoyable sex with the man several times in various locations. After he was arrested, the teen posted messages on a social media site indicating she wanted to be with him and had posted suicidal intentions on the site.
Police officers investigating the case for Pinal County assert the 18-year-old man became a shrewd manipulator, threatening girls at the age of 13.
Charges against him include several counts of sexual conduct and sexual abuse, all with underage victims. He was indicted by a grand jury on 17 counts of sexual assault and one count of child molestation with a minor.
The big picture leaves experts baffled. One sex-crime specialist claims the young man demonstrated a charismatic persona that lured girls to him. While concluding his actions were predatory, employing stalking and threats, he pleaded not guilty to all charges against him. He was absent from court when his defense attorney entered his plea.
Sex crimes are serious. If you have been charged with a sex offense, you need to speak urgently with a person who can provide input on how to best defend yourself. An expert can speak on your behalf to provide information regarding possible psychological treatment so you might be able to avoid jail time.
Source: Arizona Republic, "Pinal sexual assault suspect pleads not guilty" Sean Holstege, May. 24, 2014