What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Alabama
Last November, my husband's best friend of over 20 years was arrested for child pornography. We were all in shock (I've known him for nearly fifteen years). I thought there had to be a mistake, but he confessed to everything. They found a laptop downloading kp in the ceiling tiles at work, his personal computer at work, a computer located under the bed at their house and one in the basement. There were even images on his cell phone which led to concerns that he was producing kp as well. DH and this guy shared an office at work (they were the IT dept). One of the law enforcement agents (not sure who, DH said that it was the FBI as well as the sheriff's dept) asked DH if his friend had ever babysat for us (and yes, he has, numerous times). He gave us the phone number of the person leading the investigation and suggested we call for assistance interviewing our kids.
To make a long story short, they were concerned about our youngest since she was the 'right' age (6 yrs old). Both she and our 10 yr old denied that anyone had touched or taken pictures of them. Our oldest is 12 yrs old and has autism. She is non-verbal and needs assistance bathing, brushing hair/teeth, feeding, dressing, etc. I've been absolutely devastated at the thought that she could have been harmed and unable to communicate this to us. I was told that there was no way to interview her (which is true) and we had to hope that our former friend was being truthful when he said he never involved her. Our former friend was questioned about them specifically and denied doing anything to them. Law enforcement didn't locate any images on his computers of any of our girls that were inappropriate.
My husband spoke with him as well (he called from jail) and was told that nothing happened. The 'friend' did say that he had been attracted to young kids for a long time (including ours) but hadn't acted yet on his urges. He told my husband that the police would probably find thousands of images and videos on his computers as he had been collecting for about eight years.
My questions are:
1. How much time will he receive? He has had one drug possession charge and one dui. I think both went away after he went through classes and counseling (but I'm not sure of the specifics, sorry). I wish it would be for years and years, but I'm worried that since it's his first offense that it won't be for long (less than 5 years).
He is charged with possession of child pornography and tampering with evidence (he was erasing files at work after knowing they were there looking for someone downloading kp). The grand jury should meet on his case any day now and he has told mutual friends that he will be pleading guilty once they get to that stage.
2. Regardless of what time he serves, is there anything I can do to make him leave me alone? He seemed hurt at first that I no longer want to maintain a friendship and he's not allowed on our property. He started sending emails including one telling me he had a dream that we hugged and I told him I loved him and knew he wasn't a monster. Then he started writing my husband letters implying ugly things about me (that I was unfaithful). And now, he simply seems angry in his emails to me. He says that I know he's not a monster and he's angry that I treat him like one. I've changed my email address and am hoping he goes away soon and for a long time. I haven't responded to any of his emails and I don't treat him badly because I don't see him. I have no contact with him and I'm happy that way. If he goes to prison and tries to write, can I just have my address blocked or something like that? My husband is still cordial when they run into each other (they have numerous mutual friends) and he told him to quit contacting me, but he said that 'friend' seems desperate for me to forgive him and sometimes he's furious with me. (Friend is married by the way, although his wife just served divorce papers).
Last November, my husband's best friend of over 20 years was arrested for child pornography. We were all in shock (I've known him for nearly fifteen years). I thought there had to be a mistake, but he confessed to everything. They found a laptop downloading kp in the ceiling tiles at work, his personal computer at work, a computer located under the bed at their house and one in the basement. There were even images on his cell phone which led to concerns that he was producing kp as well. DH and this guy shared an office at work (they were the IT dept). One of the law enforcement agents (not sure who, DH said that it was the FBI as well as the sheriff's dept) asked DH if his friend had ever babysat for us (and yes, he has, numerous times). He gave us the phone number of the person leading the investigation and suggested we call for assistance interviewing our kids.
To make a long story short, they were concerned about our youngest since she was the 'right' age (6 yrs old). Both she and our 10 yr old denied that anyone had touched or taken pictures of them. Our oldest is 12 yrs old and has autism. She is non-verbal and needs assistance bathing, brushing hair/teeth, feeding, dressing, etc. I've been absolutely devastated at the thought that she could have been harmed and unable to communicate this to us. I was told that there was no way to interview her (which is true) and we had to hope that our former friend was being truthful when he said he never involved her. Our former friend was questioned about them specifically and denied doing anything to them. Law enforcement didn't locate any images on his computers of any of our girls that were inappropriate.
My husband spoke with him as well (he called from jail) and was told that nothing happened. The 'friend' did say that he had been attracted to young kids for a long time (including ours) but hadn't acted yet on his urges. He told my husband that the police would probably find thousands of images and videos on his computers as he had been collecting for about eight years.
My questions are:
1. How much time will he receive? He has had one drug possession charge and one dui. I think both went away after he went through classes and counseling (but I'm not sure of the specifics, sorry). I wish it would be for years and years, but I'm worried that since it's his first offense that it won't be for long (less than 5 years).
He is charged with possession of child pornography and tampering with evidence (he was erasing files at work after knowing they were there looking for someone downloading kp). The grand jury should meet on his case any day now and he has told mutual friends that he will be pleading guilty once they get to that stage.
2. Regardless of what time he serves, is there anything I can do to make him leave me alone? He seemed hurt at first that I no longer want to maintain a friendship and he's not allowed on our property. He started sending emails including one telling me he had a dream that we hugged and I told him I loved him and knew he wasn't a monster. Then he started writing my husband letters implying ugly things about me (that I was unfaithful). And now, he simply seems angry in his emails to me. He says that I know he's not a monster and he's angry that I treat him like one. I've changed my email address and am hoping he goes away soon and for a long time. I haven't responded to any of his emails and I don't treat him badly because I don't see him. I have no contact with him and I'm happy that way. If he goes to prison and tries to write, can I just have my address blocked or something like that? My husband is still cordial when they run into each other (they have numerous mutual friends) and he told him to quit contacting me, but he said that 'friend' seems desperate for me to forgive him and sometimes he's furious with me. (Friend is married by the way, although his wife just served divorce papers).
