Will 6 girls in child sex abuse case have to face their alleged abuser in court? Decision still up in the air
VENN
POWHATAN COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- When six minors are accusing one man of inappropriately touching them, what does the court do if they say they don't want to be in the same room as him, even to testify?
This was discussed at length on Friday, Nov. 14, for the case against the former owner of Fast Feet Sports Academy in Powhatan County, who's facing charges for child sex crimes.
Joseph Parker is facing 18 charges, including eight counts of aggravated sexual battery of a child under 13. There are six alleged victims — all girls between the ages of nine and 12.
The hearing focused on how they’ll testify when it comes time for trial, which has yet to be scheduled. For several hours, five licensed clinicians were questioned about counseling and overseeing the treatment for five of the alleged victims.
The investigation into Parker reportedly began when two ten-year-old girls came forward with allegations against Parker. Several of the girls have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) since the alleged inappropriate touching by Parker.
“Sometimes, particularly in child sex offenses, the child is the only witness," 8News legal analyst Russ Stone said.
The Commonwealth is arguing the girls shouldn’t have to testify in the courtroom with Parker present, but rather use what’s called closed-circuit television (CCTV). They would still be cross-examined by the Commonwealth and defense attorney during the trial, but in a different room.
The video would be played in the courtroom for the jury, spectators and Parker to see and hear.
“Testifying in court can be a frightening experience even for an adult," Stone said. "But if you’re only nine or 10 years old, it could be the kind of thing that traumatizes you.”
The clinicians — two of whom run their own practices and three from Goochland Powhatan Community Services — started treating the girls earlier this year. They said two of the girls had received previous treatment for other matters.
They said they’ve talked to the alleged victims, who’ve said and shown signs they do not want to face Parker in court. These signs include becoming closed off in sessions and getting emotional.
MORE: Court documents detail investigation into owner of Powhatan sports academy, impacts on victims
The clinicians said they believe it would further traumatize the girls. They also said because of the alleged sexual abuse, the victims have had trouble sleeping, increased anxiety and bouts of depression.
But it's Parker’s constitutional right to face his accusers.
“Since it is a constitutional right, that is a sacred right that is in the law," Stone said. "Now you have to contrast that with the notion that we all want to protect children and not traumatize them any more than necessary.”
Parker's attorney, Edward Riley, questioned the trustworthiness of the girls' allegations.
"What if she's making it up?" he asked a clinician working with an 11-year-old alleged victim.
"I don't know of any child who would make that up," she responded. "I don't know what she would gain by making that up."
Parker's wife, daughter and mother were present in court and briefly told 8News they don't think there's any truth to the charges.
The judge did not decide on how to move forward. Parker will be back in court in February when his attorney will make his case for having the girls testify before him.
