20-year-old molestation investigated
Published: November 3, 2009
After two decades of silence, a 37-year-old woman decided to tell her story.
That led deputies to arrest James Preston McLaughlin, 57, of Waynesboro, for sexual crimes they said he committed.
Between 1983 and 1987, authorities said, McLaughlin molested a 14-year-old five times. Authorities declined to elaborate.
McLaughlin, who would have been in his mid-30s at the time, faces two counts of aggravated sexual battery, two counts of carnal knowledge of a child and one count of forcible sodomy, according to court records.
“The officer is charging based on statements made by the victim and [McLaughlin],” Augusta County Sheriff Randy Fisher said. “My guess is he’s just confessing his sins since he’s 57 now.”
The News Virginian does not identify victims of alleged sexual assault.
Investigator Paul McCormick said he first heard about the case Sept. 29. He filed charges two weeks later.
McLaughlin could serve more than 20 years in jail if convicted.
He remains free on bond.
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Reader Reactions
probably “a friend of the family” then when she was a little girl.
I think it is great she came forward, and that there is no statute of limitations on this crime. God bless and keep her-she’s been through a lot living with this.
Maybe our justice system will show him the compassion he showed his victims. One can only hope.
This young girl should be commended. It took a lot of courage for her to come forward. If more victims follow her example, even years later, perps might think twice before molesting.
It seems molesters are under the impression if they don’t get caught in the act they will get away with it.
Good for her for sticking up for herself, even after years.
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