Here's the lowdown: I have a cousin who is 17 years old and is pregnant for the second time (!) from some 20-something year old. We live in TX, where the age of consent is 17, but she was underage both of the times she was impregnated and I know the statute of limitation of such a charge is 10 years from her 18th birthday.
Is there evidence? Probably - I assume his name's on the birth certificate and they all openly admit he's the father, it's no secret.
I am SUPER concerned about this situation and this man who will not take responsibility for his actions and insists on setting up franchises with little girls. Granted, she was consenting and is equally stupid, but this guy's a criminal! Her parents are uber-yuppies and won't make a fuss by trying to bring charges against this guy, which is socially irresponsible!
2007-07-14 16:53:21 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
It is good that you are concerned about your cousin and are doing the right thing seeking an answer to this. Obviously her parents are not concerned so it is great that someone does.
I am shocked at some of the answers I have read but keep in mind that it is your business for sure and it is insane to let a family member, consenting or not, be abused. It sounds like this started when she was14 or 15 and CONSENT is irrelevant as a 14 yr old by law can not make that decision nor can her parents if the offender was in his twenties. If her parents don't care and did nothing that is not a good reason for not reporting this matter as other girls could be in danger. Also be wary of users that indicate they are a COP...as that may not be the case on here sometimes and can steer you wrong.
Here is my suggestion:
Contact the agency (police dept) for the area where the offense took place. Call the Detective Bureau or Investigations and ask to speak to a detective that handles sexual crimes. Tell him you want to remain anonymous with your reporting but there is really no danger in telling him who you are but if you feel better remain anonymous. Explain the situation and that you fear this suspect is praying on younger girls as well. Something needs to be done for sure. In addition I would contact the Department of Children and Families for your area. It may have a different title for you but they can investigate the family and see if there are problems in the home that led up to these pregnancies as well. Keep in mind the fact that the parents don't care and she was consenting does not matter. A 20 something can not do that under any circumstances with a minor that age If you report this and they unfound it then at least you did your best and don't have to live with letting this go as you will always think about it and other harm this guy could cause.
Good luck and take care of your cousin.
2007-07-14 17:30:44 · answer #1 · answered by flafuncop 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The short answer to your question is yes, of course you can! With modern technology the way it is, it is tougher than ever for you to remain truly, truly, TRULY annonymous, but imagine that you wrote the local DA and local Sheriff an annonymous letter detailing the alleged crime. I DOUBT that they are going to take the time to lift your fingerprints from the paper! I believe that they would be obligated to investigate the matter, even without knowing WHO made the allegations. So, again, I say, yes, you can report this alleged crime, at least attempting to remain annonymous.
It is, however, another matter entirely as to the question of whether you SHOULD or should NOT do so.
You have to know that A LOT of Americans are at best ambivalent about "statutory" rape laws. As you've pointed out, BOTH the girl and guy were consenting. Statutory rape laws were originally intended to prevent say a 22 year old from "talking" a 12 or 13 year old into the sack, but these laws have resulted in some EXTREMELY uncomfortable cases of a "madly in love" 16 year old being charged with rape for having had sex with his 15 year 10 month old girlfriend. At that point, it's a law run amok!
I would encourage you to ask yourself a series of pointed questions:
1. How is this any of your business? I mean, the girl isn't complaining, her parents aren't complaining, no one else is complaining, but YOU want this guy to be charged with rape? Why?
2. Guys make babies and don't do the right thing all the time; how is this low-life any different? Aren't you just using a technicality to get him for something millions of guys do?
3. Do we have ANY rights of privacy left? Maybe this family just wants to deal with their dumb daughter in their own way. Is it REALLY up to you to decide for them that this case should go to trial?
4. Won't you be suspected of being the one who ratted this guy out? If so, are you going to lie about it? What good will that do?
You get from my questions that I would suggest to you to keep your mouth shut and your nose out of it. This seems to be a matter between this guy and girl, her family, and God.
2007-07-14 17:08:11 · answer #2 · answered by Just_One_Man's_Opinion 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I am a cop and if you have a concern then it is your responsiblity as a citizen to report it. Its going to be hard if the female gave consent and wanted or was willng to engage in the sex act. It will be hard to prove if she was willing or not. The best thing is to have your cousin report this person and let the system work. I know that the system is slow but just keep faith. The main thing is to report that she isnt getting any help from this low life. It does take time. But remember if they arrest him she will not get any money either. So its a tough decision but put that guy in jail so he knows the hell happend.
2007-07-14 17:08:20 · answer #3 · answered by Mike 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depending on the state law, a 20 year old can have sex with a 17 year old and not get in trouble. Many states specify a certain amount of years have to separate the two parties involved. Check your state law on this topic.
2007-07-15 01:53:16 · answer #4 · answered by the_mr911 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can probably report it anonymously, but telling the police your identity will likely cause them to take the complaint more seriously.
You should also check the statutory rape laws in your state. It sounds like the two are only three years apart in age, and in many states, that's too close for it to count as statutory rape.
2007-07-14 16:58:25 · answer #5 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are SO "SUPER concerned about this situation" then why would you need to remain anonymous. If you WERE SO concerned then why did you wait for the SECOND child to do something? Bringing charges against him now wouldn't help her or her kids out, it's too late for that. I don't believe that you are "concerned " at all and would love to cause more problems by sticking your nose in where it doesn't belong. If not then why would you need to remain anonymous in order to stick up for your cousin. I think that you love trouble and love causing trouble too.
2007-07-14 17:39:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
The age of consent in Indiana is 16, unless the older person is in a position of trust (family member, teacher, coach, priest) then the age of consent is 18. There is no crime to report.
2016-05-17 23:52:57 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can definitely report the rape. However, you will need to make sure you make a statement in case it goes to court.
There are several ways the police can investigate the incident.
Please call and report this.
2007-07-14 16:57:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you don't want to go by way of police, contact child protective services which protects your identity. They will take it to the police if need be.
2007-07-14 17:24:18 · answer #9 · answered by Oyaya 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let her parents take care of this. It should be their choice not yours. If you do report it you could be stirring up alot of trouble with your cousin.
2007-07-14 17:00:48 · answer #10 · answered by ginnrc 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋