" riversunset, it is because of the nature of these allegations and charges.
Testimonies by young children have been found to be very unreliable in many circumstances, and there is no more stigmatizing charge one could have against them than one of a sexual predatory nature.
I should think that caution should have been exercised in the labeling of this young kid as a potential sex offender, especially in a small, conservative town like this!
You said it yourself--"IF HE REALLY DID IT"--YES, EXACTLY!--We don't KNOW if he did it! But the mere allegation will most likely haunt him for the rest of his life if he is found innocent! Haven't you watched any shows where people have been falsely accused of sexual crimes and they NEVER can live it down? It;s just like a man who gets accused of rape--they never live it down, because the nature of the charge is so inflammatory. I would think that for a 17-year-old, who's being accused by a mere 9-year-old, that some discretion should have been used. If the trial shows that he's guilty, then by all means, report it. But to merely report an allegation by a child is irresponsible, in my opinion. "

" Karl again..., I have to ask this-What difference does it make whether this has gone to trial yet? When someone gets arrested, it hits the paper. Why should this kid be any different? If you were arrested for something, your name would make it in the paper too. And his name will probably be in the paper again after his trial. A sex offender is a sex offender...reguardless. If he really did it, I would want to know so my kids weren't around him. "

" Yes. "

" Interesting point, but would you still be saying the thing if it were your child? "

" Citizen, I have to wonder if it's appropriate to post the mere CHARGES of sex abuse against a 17-year old, when the kid hasn't even gone to trial yet.
Is it necessary to "scarlet letter" and ostracize this boy before the charges have been proven one way or the other?
Haven't child "testimonies" been found in many cases to have been unreliable?
I think this is a bit premature and irresponsible.
What if he is found innocent? The damage to his reputation will already be irreparable. "