[ZAS]

LaPorte, IN – Democrat nominee for prosecuting attorney and long-time LaPorte County attorney, Bob ‘Z’ Szilagyi, stated that the policy in child molestation cases needs to reflect utilization of all expertise available, such as Dunebrook and Harmony House/CASA.

Szilagyi stated, “Obviously, it is very difficult for child-victims to testify in open court. Most cases only have the child and the perpetrator as the only witnesses and most child molestation cases are plea bargained because the victim isn’t provided all the resources and support available, specifically Dunebrook and Harmony House/CASA, throughout the prosecution of the case.”

Szilagyi added the result is that the offender either goes unprosecuted or the case is pleaded to a lesser charge (see Karen Biernacki, Anvil Chorus, Plea agreement too easy on sex-offender, M.C. News-Dispatch,Oct. 29, 2009; and Stan Maddux, Judge and Prosecutor Argue Over Sex Offender Plea, M.C. News-Dispatch, Oct. 24, 2009.)

“Indiana law (IC 35-40-11-2) allows victims to testify via oral or written or through recorded audio or videotape outside the courtroom and the presence of the perpetrator in only very limited cases,” Szilagyi added. “The purpose of Dunebrook and Harmony House/CASA is to provide experts for investigation and support to the victim and their families so that when the case is prosecuted the victim has the support and the confidence to testify.”

Szilagyi has repeatedly vowed that he will re-establish the Community Child Response Team (CCRT) as prosecutor, meeting with Dunebrook, Harmony House/CASA, area police agencies and other professional experts to quickly establish the CCRT. The multi-disciplinary team approach will provide specifically trained deputy prosecutors and law enforcement officers to gather the necessary evidence while protecting the victim in child abuse cases.

“We can’t rely on only prosecuting cases where the perpetrator makes a confession,” Szilagyi stated, “Unless we provide all the resources for the victim so that the norm becomes going to trial because the victim is ready, able and willing to testify due to the support provided.”