I chose to read the charging documents for the case against Christopher Dupea. I haven't been able to get the information out of my mind.
I am not naive, I understand there is a due process and I do believe in innocent until proven guilty. With that said, I do not believe a person is innocent simply because they say they are or because they "seem like such a good person." Remember, I have lived this, from the other side. Also, from my experience, I believe shutting out individuals that ask valid questions or encourage the seeking of truth (even if that truth is one you don't want) is a red flag.
In this situation the community that wants to desperately support the Dupea family and uplift the parents are admirable. From my own experience I am just fearful that the church community will blindly support whatever they are told without fact checking. My desire is for all involved to download the available court documents and read them. Know what you are supporting. Attend the court dates, if at all possible. It's amazing what is revealed in the courtroom.
This stuff is real! Child porn is real! Childhood sexual abuse is an epidemic! It does actually happen. In YOUR community! I do not want to know the details of what Chris is being charged with! " It is reprehensible and disgusting. It is NORMAL to NOT want to know but what is the alternative in a civil society?" a quote from a dear friend. We could ignore childhood sexual abuse and hope it doesn't touch our child and just goes away....I am here to tell you that ignoring it gives the predators power to continue. AND THAT IT CAN TOUCH YOUR FAMILY! Is that really what you want? Would that be worth not knowing the sortied details?
I am willing to expose myself to the ugly details involved in cases that effect my community in hopes of exposing it and shinning the light on it so that my children can continue to be children, untouched by a sexual predator. Isn't that our job as parents? Be informed! Be aware! Know what you are supporting!
If you are asked to write a letter of leniency on behalf, of Chris my only request is that prior to agreeing to do so that you read all court documents that are public record from the convenience of your own home. If you have questions the detective in charge of the case is usually willing to speak with concerned citizens.
Pierce County Court Records Link - Be sure to click criminal records
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Too Close To Home
| Defendant: | CHRISTOPHER MERRICK DUPEA |
Daily News...it's gone viral
Man arrested after allegedly receiving child porn from child's mother
KOMO News
I desperately want to see this done right.
KOMO News
I desperately want to see this done right.
Who are we praying for? What are we praying for? Exposure? Least possible attention? Where are you getting your information? Would you encourage other victims to come forward?
I have one request for all involved, PLEASE, I BEG YOU, DO NOT BURY YOUR HEAD IN THE SAND! Do not be easily deceived!
I have one request for all involved, PLEASE, I BEG YOU, DO NOT BURY YOUR HEAD IN THE SAND! Do not be easily deceived!
Satan your kingdom must come down!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Trust
Losing trust in ones self is devastating. When this happens insecurities run wild. This is still my biggest hurdle, learning to trust myself again. My gut.
What haunts me is the fact that I can't send my children to very many places without taking a risk that they may be sexually molested. I really can't say with certainty to my child, "You're fine, you're safe with these individuals." Most children are molested by trusted individuals in their lives. We had know the Rojas family for many years. We interacted with the family weekly. Kathy Rojas was at two of my children's births. We worshiped together. Why didn't I know just how sick their family was?
Pedophiles are master manipulators and they are everywhere. Their enablers are foolish people that choose to have a blind eye. There are stories all over the place about childhood sexual abuse. In schools, in churches, at daycare, family homes, and with trusted coaches or friends.
You can really only know and trust yourself.
Pedophiles cross all cultural, racial and economical boundaries. A pedophile can be male or female, although the number of male pedophiles grossly outnumbers the female predators.
I believe a lot of parents feel the older their child gets the less likely they are to be victimized and that is a lie. Do not buy into that lie. Without robbing your child of innocence give your children examples of ways to get out of situations that they are uncomfortable in. And when your child doesn't want to go with someone don't just dismiss that, really evaluate the situation. Don't ever believe that your children are immune from being sexual molested!
What haunts me is the fact that I can't send my children to very many places without taking a risk that they may be sexually molested. I really can't say with certainty to my child, "You're fine, you're safe with these individuals." Most children are molested by trusted individuals in their lives. We had know the Rojas family for many years. We interacted with the family weekly. Kathy Rojas was at two of my children's births. We worshiped together. Why didn't I know just how sick their family was?
Pedophiles are master manipulators and they are everywhere. Their enablers are foolish people that choose to have a blind eye. There are stories all over the place about childhood sexual abuse. In schools, in churches, at daycare, family homes, and with trusted coaches or friends.
You can really only know and trust yourself.
Pedophiles cross all cultural, racial and economical boundaries. A pedophile can be male or female, although the number of male pedophiles grossly outnumbers the female predators.
I believe a lot of parents feel the older their child gets the less likely they are to be victimized and that is a lie. Do not buy into that lie. Without robbing your child of innocence give your children examples of ways to get out of situations that they are uncomfortable in. And when your child doesn't want to go with someone don't just dismiss that, really evaluate the situation. Don't ever believe that your children are immune from being sexual molested!
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Wartburg Watch Posts about Our Story
Our Story has been highlighted in The Wartburg Watch. If you are interested in another perspective take a look at the posts.
Household of Faith Fellowship of Churches – An Overview
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Snapshot of Our Story
“Nothing fixes a thing so intensely in the memory as the wish to forget it.” ~Michel de Montaigne | |
For individuals new to Our Story, I decided to put together a list of posts that will give you a snapshot. This blog has been written over a few years. It is kind of a diary about this aspect of my life. I try to be authentic about what our family has been through and I am fairly open in regard to my personal struggles and feelings about everything that involves this part of my life. Our Story is ultimately way bigger than our little family.
To help you understand Our Story:
#1 - From the beginning
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
#7
#8
Wanted Felon: Francis Edward Rojas AKA Eddie #1 , #2
Level two sex offender: Patrick David Rojas #1 , #2
Being sued by Patrick and Jairus Rojas for this blog June 2010 #1
King 5 Interviews March 3, 2011 #1
King 5 Interview May 20, 2011 #2
Poetic Justice #1
Burden Lifted #1
Sweet Victory #1 , #2
Beauty from Ashes #1
Current Legal Standing: December 5, 2011, Patrick filed to appeal the courts decision. The appeals court took the case. We are at a wait and see point as of June 2012.
June 2012, Patrick submitted his motion to the appellate court of appeals. I am now waiting on my attorney, Talis Abolin's, response.
**If you have the time and would like to read Our Story from the literal beginning of the blog and see the process we went through, here is the link to the FIRST POST. At the bottom click on "newer post" to continue to review the entire blog.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
PHFCC Elder's Cover Up
Patrick was able to gather well over 30 letters of support (asking the judge to be merciful) stating that Patrick had such outstanding character, He was an asset to our community, Repentant, Even statements that had the audacity to boast that Patrick had taken responsibility for his crimes.
It appeared that the elders didn't have any real concerns about Patrick being a predator.
I believe even knowing all the details of what Patrick actually did to our child, that they still believed "It was only inappropriate affection."
Early on, it became clear to Eric and I, after we had a few interactions with the elders that "Something wasn't right." We didn't have a scripture to quote, just our gut feeling (Holy Spirit) to follow. After a series of attempts, where we tried to explain to the elders our belief that what in fact happened, was bigger, and more serious than "Just inappropriate affection" we were cautioned about gossip. The elders were very concerned that we were becoming bitter, that is was wrong to listen to "worldly psychology," and that we needed to get to a place of forgiveness (Which in their interpretation meant immediate "reconciliation with Patrick" and our family.)
We knew in our spirit that we needed to break from this congregation and it's leadership.This was the start of our isolation. Some would say the isolation was self inflicted. I would argue we were collateral damage that the leadership was willing to lose in order to save their church.
To stand with our family would have meant standing against the Rojas family. (Remember the father and mother had something to hide.) The elders, idolized Eddie Rojas! The elders were "used" by Eddie Rojas BUT they had an opportunity to tell the truth to us and the authorities BUT they chose to stay silent.
THIS IS KEY:
If the elders felt they needed to stay silent out of biblical obligation, then why, within days after Patrick was sentenced (and protected from further charges in our case) did they break "privilege"and tell a room full of church members that they knew detailed information about what he did to our child and that they didn't report it?
Currently, the church, Peninsula Household of Faith Community Church, in Port Orchard, WA. is still fellow-shipping under the same authority, Jim Cameron and Dave Barrueto.
It has been said that we are the ones in sin and bitter, I reject that!
Jim and Dave shouldn't have been afraid to educate themselves on the subject of sexual abuse. They should have reported all that they knew of the crimes committed by Patrick for the benefit of the abuser receiving a proper sentence and more importantly so the victim could receive proper help as soon as possible! (not six months later)
THE ELDER'S BETRAYAL IMPEDED JUSTICE!
More from: "What The Elder's Knew"
It appeared that the elders didn't have any real concerns about Patrick being a predator.
I believe even knowing all the details of what Patrick actually did to our child, that they still believed "It was only inappropriate affection."
Early on, it became clear to Eric and I, after we had a few interactions with the elders that "Something wasn't right." We didn't have a scripture to quote, just our gut feeling (Holy Spirit) to follow. After a series of attempts, where we tried to explain to the elders our belief that what in fact happened, was bigger, and more serious than "Just inappropriate affection" we were cautioned about gossip. The elders were very concerned that we were becoming bitter, that is was wrong to listen to "worldly psychology," and that we needed to get to a place of forgiveness (Which in their interpretation meant immediate "reconciliation with Patrick" and our family.)
We knew in our spirit that we needed to break from this congregation and it's leadership.This was the start of our isolation. Some would say the isolation was self inflicted. I would argue we were collateral damage that the leadership was willing to lose in order to save their church.
To stand with our family would have meant standing against the Rojas family. (Remember the father and mother had something to hide.) The elders, idolized Eddie Rojas! The elders were "used" by Eddie Rojas BUT they had an opportunity to tell the truth to us and the authorities BUT they chose to stay silent.
THIS IS KEY:
If the elders felt they needed to stay silent out of biblical obligation, then why, within days after Patrick was sentenced (and protected from further charges in our case) did they break "privilege"and tell a room full of church members that they knew detailed information about what he did to our child and that they didn't report it?
Currently, the church, Peninsula Household of Faith Community Church, in Port Orchard, WA. is still fellow-shipping under the same authority, Jim Cameron and Dave Barrueto.
It has been said that we are the ones in sin and bitter, I reject that!
Jim and Dave shouldn't have been afraid to educate themselves on the subject of sexual abuse. They should have reported all that they knew of the crimes committed by Patrick for the benefit of the abuser receiving a proper sentence and more importantly so the victim could receive proper help as soon as possible! (not six months later)
THE ELDER'S BETRAYAL IMPEDED JUSTICE!
More from: "What The Elder's Knew"
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Church Elders of Peninsula Household of Faith Community Church, Port Orchard, Washington
The elders knew in detail the full extent in which our child was sexually molested by Patrick but DID NOT TELL US OR THE AUTHORITIES!
In a previous post I explained that two days after discovering that our child had been sexually molested the elders had a meeting with Eddie and Patrick Rojas. The elders spent the day (literally) with them and came over to our home that evening.
We had asked a couple in the church to come and be a witness to the meeting (the husband was out of town) but the wife came. The elders, Dave Barrueto and Jim Cameron, basically came to see how we were and told us that they had been in contact with other pastors to get advice and that they had contacted a lawyer to find out their legal liability.
I remember them explaining that because we had reported the crime, they had no legal obligation to report it as well. That since it is in the "States" hands they were not going to talk about the case with us.
They wanted to know how they could help us in the process of healing, forgiving, and reconciliation.
Our friend that was with us has a background working in sexual assault centers. She directly asked the elders if there was any information that came out of their private meeting that we (the parents of the victim) should know? Any new information at all? Jim Cameron was at the original meeting with us and knew exactly what Patrick had admitted to doing to our child. The elders looked at each other and said,"No, nothing to add." They reminded us they were going to stay out of the legal stuff.
Approximately 2 1/2weeks after the initial discovery that abuse had occurred and the private meeting with Patrick, Jim Cameron and Dave Barrueto, Jim was interviewed by the sheriff detective working on our case. Jim Cameron ends his statement to the sheriff with, "In his opinion Patrick wanted to stay pure, but wanted to know what it felt like to kiss" and "It was just the wrong place and wrong age." (Jim's statement is public record.)
We received a copy of Jim Cameron's statement well after Patrick's sentencing was over. When I saw that Jim Cameron minimized the crime in his statement and in my opinion, he even lies by omission, I will have to admit my heart filled with hate. This man along with Eddie and Dave Barrueto knew everything. Jim knew that we, as the victims parents, didn't know what had really been done to our child. He and the others in authority allowed the church congregation to believe what happened was "Only a kiss" and "Just inappropriate affections."
A grown man (22yrs old,) goes into a minors (under 12yrs old,) bedroom at night and sexually molests them and his statement is, ".....just the wrong place and wrong age."
It was not for six more months until we would learn actually what happened to our child, When the prosecutors office called us and read the Psychosexual Evaluation to us.
Six months the elders let us believe "It was only a kiss" (which by the way, we never minimized.) From day one we considered that when a 22 yr old snuck into an adolescents room and gave them a "kiss" to be sexual abuse and so does the state of Washington! Six months! Then to learn it was much more than "just a kiss." Devastating!
If you remember from an earlier post our child had a "dream like" memory. The memory was very minimal and the elders along with Patrick and his parents knew that. The elders knew they did not need to legally report the crime, so they did not. BUT what about morally? What about getting the victim the help they needed as soon as possible?
Not only did these men (Eddie Rojas, Dave Barrueto, and Jim Cameron) influence the outcome of the charges filed by their silence but they greatly influenced a congregation to support a seriously dangerous pedophile. Somehow, theses elders were able to gain sympathy and support from the congregation for Patrick and his "innocent" parents.
Part of : "What The Elders Knew"
In a previous post I explained that two days after discovering that our child had been sexually molested the elders had a meeting with Eddie and Patrick Rojas. The elders spent the day (literally) with them and came over to our home that evening.
We had asked a couple in the church to come and be a witness to the meeting (the husband was out of town) but the wife came. The elders, Dave Barrueto and Jim Cameron, basically came to see how we were and told us that they had been in contact with other pastors to get advice and that they had contacted a lawyer to find out their legal liability.
I remember them explaining that because we had reported the crime, they had no legal obligation to report it as well. That since it is in the "States" hands they were not going to talk about the case with us.
They wanted to know how they could help us in the process of healing, forgiving, and reconciliation.
Our friend that was with us has a background working in sexual assault centers. She directly asked the elders if there was any information that came out of their private meeting that we (the parents of the victim) should know? Any new information at all? Jim Cameron was at the original meeting with us and knew exactly what Patrick had admitted to doing to our child. The elders looked at each other and said,"No, nothing to add." They reminded us they were going to stay out of the legal stuff.
Approximately 2 1/2weeks after the initial discovery that abuse had occurred and the private meeting with Patrick, Jim Cameron and Dave Barrueto, Jim was interviewed by the sheriff detective working on our case. Jim Cameron ends his statement to the sheriff with, "In his opinion Patrick wanted to stay pure, but wanted to know what it felt like to kiss" and "It was just the wrong place and wrong age." (Jim's statement is public record.)
We received a copy of Jim Cameron's statement well after Patrick's sentencing was over. When I saw that Jim Cameron minimized the crime in his statement and in my opinion, he even lies by omission, I will have to admit my heart filled with hate. This man along with Eddie and Dave Barrueto knew everything. Jim knew that we, as the victims parents, didn't know what had really been done to our child. He and the others in authority allowed the church congregation to believe what happened was "Only a kiss" and "Just inappropriate affections."
A grown man (22yrs old,) goes into a minors (under 12yrs old,) bedroom at night and sexually molests them and his statement is, ".....just the wrong place and wrong age."
It was not for six more months until we would learn actually what happened to our child, When the prosecutors office called us and read the Psychosexual Evaluation to us.
Six months the elders let us believe "It was only a kiss" (which by the way, we never minimized.) From day one we considered that when a 22 yr old snuck into an adolescents room and gave them a "kiss" to be sexual abuse and so does the state of Washington! Six months! Then to learn it was much more than "just a kiss." Devastating!
If you remember from an earlier post our child had a "dream like" memory. The memory was very minimal and the elders along with Patrick and his parents knew that. The elders knew they did not need to legally report the crime, so they did not. BUT what about morally? What about getting the victim the help they needed as soon as possible?
Not only did these men (Eddie Rojas, Dave Barrueto, and Jim Cameron) influence the outcome of the charges filed by their silence but they greatly influenced a congregation to support a seriously dangerous pedophile. Somehow, theses elders were able to gain sympathy and support from the congregation for Patrick and his "innocent" parents.
Part of : "What The Elders Knew"
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