A couple weeks ago I had the
opportunity to have lunch with Bill from Ohio who we met at a Porn
Sunday in Cleveland. Bill was bold enough to share his story with
XXXchurch. Bill had been arrested and convicted of possession and
distribution of child pornography.
At lunch Bill asked if we would come to his sentencing… we went. What follows is my account of Bill’s sentencing.
On Friday, February 3, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. Rob Supan and I joined 25
family and friends of Bill, at his sentencing for possession and
distribution of child pornography. Bill’s crime has a maximum jail term
of 9 years.
Bill’s wife, mom, dad and close friends made up the gallery along
with about a dozen court staff and attorneys who worked the sentencing.
Bill’s lawyer called two people to speak on Bill’s behalf; his
current counselor and his father. Bill’s counselor told the court he
had never seen such an extraordinary effort to take responsibility for
an addiction like Bill did.
Bill’s father, choking back tears, told the court of a good son who
made a tragic mistake and is now seeking to, in some way, right his
wrong.
The prosecution pushed for the maximum 9 year sentence. He also
brought the reality of the crimes to the surface by reminding the court
that the pictures Bill possessed and distributed were essentially
pictures of children being raped.
Bill’s attorney spoke on his behalf. He started his testimony by
saying, “The crimes sound sick because it is sick.” He went on to say
Bill was in the throes of addiction and is now making every effort to
never be in that spot again.
There was not a dry eye in the gallery as Bill was called to speak
on his own behalf. As he made his way to the podium, his family and
friends held each other and cried.
Bill’s crimes had devastated this group of people in so many ways.
It was more than obvious. The blank stares, the flushed faces, all
indicating they could hardly believe what was happening.
Bill spoke for about 7 minutes. His words were sure, shaky,
confident and direct. He told the judge, “God answered my prayers when
the FBI arrested me. I pray every day for the victims of my crime. I am
ready to go to jail. I will start a recovery program in jail. I pray to
God every day and thank Him for my new life.” He made no excuse for
his crimes and took full responsibility for the devastation he has
caused his family, friends and victims.
As Bill sat back down, the judge leaned forward and addressed him
directly. “You have taken responsibility for your actions in the two
years since your arrest, and I can see all these people here today.
That is good.” But the judge went on to say, “This is a very serious
crime and we must show people what happens if they engage in this
behavior.”
The judge sentenced Bill to 63 months in a federal prison, about 5
and-half years. The judge waived Bill’s fines due to lack of funds.
Since the arrest Bill has had to sell his house and cash out his
retirement to pay legal and court fees. Bill and his wife are broke.
Bill will mostly likely serve his 5 years in an Ohio Federal
Institution. He will be registered as a sex offender and can never deal
with minors in any way.
In the hallway outside the court room there seemed to be some
relief. I was amazed at what I saw. 25 people surrounded a guy who took
part in the unthinkable and destroyed his life in the process. They
grabbed him, hugged him, kissed him, pledged their love and support to
him and his family. It was a moment where love dominated sin. It was an
example of Christ’s love for all of us.
Bill was released on condition of self-surrender, which could happen any day. We will keep you posted.
Rob and I walked away from the sentencing shocked, stunned and a
little quiet at what we had witnessed. Working for X3 we see a lot of
funky stuff. From unbelievable sinful behavior to the incredible joys
of a life saved by Christ. At times you can feel helpless while you
watch people get swallowed up by sin. Other times you watch as God
heals an entire family. Friday we got a full shot. It’s great to know
Bill is free from his addiction, all glory to God, but it sucks seeing
family, friends and victims deal with the fallout of his addiction.
Porn equals pain and ruined lives. That is the reality.
Rob and I didn’t have much to say the rest of the day…Normally we make light of things in order to deal better… not Friday…
We will put up a video interview we did with Bill later this week.
J.R.