Sexual assault: Public official accused of abuse of relative

In Dallas and most cities across our nation, our public officials are held to high standards. Most people look up to our public officials with a certain respect and appreciation for the protection they provide. That includes policemen, firefighters, military troops, judges and others.

It is a very unsettling feeling when accusations are made against one of these public officials. In Parker County, a Hudson Oaks firefighter is in just such a situation. He is accused of sexual molestation of two children under the age of 14. The abuse is said to have been continuous.

The alleged crimes are said to have taken place at the man’s current home, his former home and in his truck, according to the affidavit. The alleged victims were relatives of the man, and one claims that he tied her feet and hands together using both white tape and duct tape while assaulting her.

The man was a firefighter from 1977 to 2009 in the Fort Worth area. The Hudson Oaks department has suspended him while the investigation is pending. A neighbor of his stated that the man loved his family, and it is hard to imagine that he could do these things.

The firefighter is currently being held in the Parker County Jail under a $300,000 bond.

Making no judgment in the case referenced above, no one deserves to be sexually assaulted. Victims of sexual assault need to have an advocate who will stand up for their rights, and do the necessary research to ensure that their perpetrator is convicted and cannot harm them again or anyone else. Victims are often traumatized and sometimes physically damaged. They may need to seek help in acquiring compensation to pay for upcoming medical bills or to help them get on with their lives.

Source: CSB DFW, “Firefighter Accused Of Sexual Assault” Bud Gillett, Jul. 23, 2014