Child sex crimes are the toughest to prosecute, but it is even tougher on the kids who testify. In the first of a four-part series, The Star follows the trial of The State of Missouri v. David A. Brake in order to examine the process and problems of prosecuting child sexual crime. First of four parts.
Who reports? Anyone can make a report of suspected child abuse. Laws mandate that individuals in certain professions report suspected child abuse. “Mandated reporters” include medical personnel, social workers, therapists, teachers, police and firefighters.
Jury selection. Vital and never easy, this one — for a case in which a 12-year-old girl will testify that her mother’s boyfriend raped her when she was 9 — turned more dramatic and emotional than any Lori Fluegel had ever seen. Second of four parts.
Alone on the witness stand, 12-year-old Jessica tells how her mother’s boyfriend raped her when she was 9 — but her story has changed. Third of four parts.
The conclusion of The Star's four-part series, which followed the State of Missouri v. David A. Brake in order to examine the process and problems of prosecuting child sexual crimes. Last of four parts.
