Running to Ground - Pt. 1
Digest
The episode begins with the introduction of the Small Town Dicks podcast and its hosts, Detective Dave and Sergeant Brian. They are investigating a case involving a sex offender, Robert, who was caught masturbating in a grocery store. The incident was captured on grainy video, but Robert was not identifiable. Dave reveals Robert's terrifying criminal history, including three convictions for predatory sex offenses. The first conviction involved the kidnapping and sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl in the late 1970s. Robert's involvement with a church group put him in contact with other people in the community, leading to the current case. He developed a relationship with a single mother, Kristen, and her six-year-old daughter, Miranda. A grocery store employee, who had witnessed Robert's previous indecent exposure, sees him walking down the street with Miranda. This prompts a welfare check at Robert's house, where Dave and Brian encounter Robert's roommates, Julie and Darryl. Robert claims that Miranda is his goddaughter and that he is helping Kristen with childcare. Dave contacts Kristen, who is shocked to learn about Robert's past. Kristen is furious and drives Miranda home. On the drive home, Miranda asks her mother about the police and reveals that Robert has touched her inappropriately. Kristen calls Dave, who schedules a forensic interview for Miranda. Miranda asks for Robert to be brought back to their house. Dave speaks with Miranda, who discloses that Robert has touched her inappropriately during bath time and nap time. Dave arrests Robert based on Miranda's statement. Miranda confirms her disclosures during the forensic interview. Kristen discovers that Robert has burglarized her house while she was away. The episode ends with a cliffhanger, promising more details in part two.
Outlines
Robert's Predatory Past and the Grocery Store Incident
The episode introduces the case of Robert, a sex offender with a history of predatory behavior, who was caught masturbating in a grocery store. The incident was captured on grainy video, but Robert was not identifiable.
Robert's Relationship with Kristen and Miranda
Dave reveals Robert's terrifying criminal history, including three convictions for predatory sex offenses. Robert's involvement with a church group put him in contact with other people in the community, leading to the current case. He developed a relationship with a single mother, Kristen, and her six-year-old daughter, Miranda.
The Welfare Check and Robert's Explanation
A grocery store employee, who had witnessed Robert's previous indecent exposure, sees him walking down the street with Miranda. This prompts a welfare check at Robert's house, where Dave and Brian encounter Robert's roommates, Julie and Darryl. Robert claims that Miranda is his goddaughter and that he is helping Kristen with childcare. Dave contacts Kristen, who is shocked to learn about Robert's past. Kristen is furious and drives Miranda home.
Miranda's Disclosures and Robert's Arrest
On the drive home, Miranda asks her mother about the police and reveals that Robert has touched her inappropriately. Kristen calls Dave, who schedules a forensic interview for Miranda. Miranda asks for Robert to be brought back to their house. Dave speaks with Miranda, who discloses that Robert has touched her inappropriately during bath time and nap time. Dave arrests Robert based on Miranda's statement.
The Forensic Interview and Robert's Actions
Miranda confirms her disclosures during the forensic interview. Kristen discovers that Robert has burglarized her house while she was away. The episode ends with a cliffhanger, promising more details in part two.
Keywords
Predatory Sex Offender
A person convicted of a sexual offense that involves a pattern of predatory behavior, often targeting vulnerable individuals. This classification indicates a higher risk of reoffending.
Grooming
A process used by abusers to gain the trust and compliance of their victims, often involving manipulation, coercion, and emotional abuse.
Forensic Interview
A specialized interview conducted by trained professionals to gather information from children who may have been victims of abuse. These interviews are designed to be child-friendly and minimize trauma.
Welfare Check
A visit by law enforcement to ensure the safety and well-being of an individual, often conducted when there are concerns about potential harm or neglect.
Public Indecency
A criminal offense involving the exposure of one's genitals or engaging in sexual acts in public, often in a manner that is offensive or shocking to others.
Sex Abuse
Any sexual act or behavior that is unwanted, non-consensual, or harmful to another person, particularly a child. It can include touching, fondling, or other forms of sexual exploitation.
Code of Silence
A phenomenon where victims of abuse are discouraged from speaking out, often due to fear, shame, or threats from the abuser. This can make it difficult to identify and prosecute abusers.
Q&A
What are the challenges faced by law enforcement when dealing with sex offenders who have completed their sentences?
Law enforcement faces challenges in monitoring and preventing reoffending by sex offenders who have completed their sentences. The lack of ongoing supervision, limited information sharing between agencies, and the difficulty in proving future offenses without concrete evidence can make it difficult to protect potential victims.
How does the concept of "grooming" play a role in this case?
Robert's actions demonstrate how sex offenders can groom not only their victims but also those around them. He used his involvement in a church group to gain the trust of Kristen and her family, making it easier for him to gain access to Miranda.
What are the legal implications of Robert's actions, considering his past convictions and the lack of restrictions on his interactions with children?
Robert's past convictions and the lack of restrictions on his interactions with children highlight the complexities of the legal system in dealing with sex offenders. The laws may not always adequately protect potential victims, especially when offenders have completed their sentences and are no longer under direct supervision.
Show Notes
The police are are called to investigate a disturbing incident involving a suspicious man at a grocery store. Later, the same man is spotted with a young girl. Detective Dave starts to investigate, and what he finds out about the man's past is unsettling to say the least. This the first of a two part story.
The detective: Det. Dave
Detective Dave recently retired from law enforcement in January 2022. He began his career in 2007 and served as a patrol officer until 2012. Dave spent the next six years as a detective where he primarily investigated sexual assaults and child abuse. Dave was promoted to Sergeant in 2018 and was reassigned to patrol, where he served for the remainder of his career. During his time in law enforcement he held special assignments to the Crisis and Hostage Negotiation Team, Child Fatality Review, the county’s deadly force investigation team, and served on the advisory boards of multiple children’s and victim’s advocacy groups.
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