Man Accused of Sexual Assaulting Boy In Montclair Library

Horrible.

At least they caught the guy.

I hope they put him under the jail!

(But I hope they don't come up with any other dumb "security" methods, like removing the benches.... That didn't work... Read the article...)

Prof,

Totally agree with you about the benches.

If this guy is convicted I hope they put him in a cell with a particularly large inmate who has long ago given up on the hopes of feeling the touch of a consentual lover and is willing to settle for whatever the warden throws his way.

I like the way you think Mike.

well, we know he won't get the death penalty..

Completely serious question: there are different degrees of luring?

Why did the 12 year old go into the bathroom with a stranger?

people can be persuasive. i don't think we should in any way question the innocent 12 year old. he was a great kid to have the state of mind to give a clear description. after such a strange and foreign event most kids blank out or are scared and don't say anything and really don't know how to handle it.

Give the 12 year old a break - child molesters are wily, out of necessity.

Not only are child molesters wily, but children (especially, but certainly not only, around here) seem to be more naive than ever due largely to the fact that their parents, society and government spend so much time and energy ruthlessly evaluating and eliminating any *possible* threat from their lives for them that the kids have never had to do it themselves.

I know I've encountered some kids around here who really live in a bubble, which is great when they're 3, but doesn't serve them so well any longer when the time comes for them to have to be able to walk down the street on their own, which time still does have to come for each child, despite all attempts to push that time later and later in kids' lives.

Amandala is right.
Having moved into Montclair from another state, it is rather surprising to see how naive and trusting kids are in this town....
Overprotected and in a bubble for sure.
Regardless though...horrible situation.

Anyone else see this?

http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=347

P.S. Of course, no child deserves to be the victim to anything like this situation, but there is truth in the assertion regarding children's naivete.

Wow! I thought I saw everything on this site. I'm in absolute shock and awe at the comments here.

What is it in our human nature that causes us to go to such abominable positions on what are truly horrendous events?

Pedophiles are masters of the art of manipulating children. They know how to prey on their respect for authority, not just trust of adults.

This child has been through a terribly traumatic event that will haunt him for the rest of his life. Let us send him and his family prayers and blessings.

Last night, a group of people looked on while teenagers beat a homeless man to death. Let's take a more active role in being vigilant and protective with our children.

If you think children in Montclair are any more or less protected, sheltered, naive, whatever, than in other town- it's you, my friend, living in the bubble.

Maddingo,

Honestly, wanting to decrease children's naivete is taking a more active role in being vigilant. Adults cannot be everywhere all of the time, as evidenced by this awful scenario.

No child deserves anything like this regardless of their naivete. Not only do I think that pedophiles deserve more stringent sentences, I have a hard time believing much in rehabilitation. The recidivism rate for sex offenders is downright horrific.

I think that librarians should consider keep the bathroom doors locked and should monitor who goes in. Or a security camera could be set up and people could be buzzed in