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Page: Profile: Wren's Nest News Local
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Article: 17973
[Pagan]
Date Posted:
6/8/2007
5:03:01 pm EDT
Wvox Stats
Views: 6,325
RSS: 23,453
Comments: 34
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Wiccan Correctional Officer Accused Of Molesting Girl For Years
Author: 3TV and azfamily.com Staff Source: 3TV and azfamily.com Staff (AZ)
Title: WICCAN CORRECTIONAL OFFICER ACCUSED OF MOLESTING GIRL FOR YEARS
A correctional officer is accused of molesting a girl for six years.
Loren Williamson was taken into custody early Wednesday morning at his home near 17th Street and Union Hills Drive.
Officers said Williamson might have used his involvement with the Wiccan religion to spark the interest of the girl.
Additional Article Link: [Click HERE]
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Community Thoughts: There are 34 comments posted | Reverse Sort |
| Need More Info. | Jun 11th. at 5:46:33 pm EDT
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Wytchone (LaPlace, Louisiana) - Email Me
However if you listen to the Video of the story they say the man used Wiccan religion vs being a member of the religion.
However I have known of a few Pagans/Wiccans that have used the religion for less then lofty goals. Sometimes older men and horny 16yr girls do not mix.
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| Crime Rates | Jun 11th. at 3:46:45 pm EDT
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Eran Rathan (Old Town, Maine) - Email Me - Web
in 2004, there were 94,635 rapes and attempted rapes (per the census bureau, see below) .
For every 100,000 people, there were 32.2 rapes or attempted rapes reported.
It is safe to assume that in any group of people larger than say, 30, there will be a predator of some sort (most statistics I've read puts it closer to 1 in 10, but I can't find a source for that right now) . So, in a group of 669,000 (I added together Wiccans, Pagan, New Age, Druids, Spiritualist, Ethical Culture, Santaria, etc) , you would expect on average 22,300 predators of some sort (completely ignoring, of course, repeat offenders, unreported rapes/attempted rapes, etc) . While that number may be overblown a bit, it should still give one pause...
Eran Rathan
Find More info -- HERE
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| And Who Said We Are Exempt? | Jun 10th. at 2:37:43 pm EDT
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Aidan Odinson (Collingdale, Pennsylvania) - Email Me
We've all seen the news about what the Roman Catholics are going through because of a relatively small minority of priests who thought that they could get away with something. And if the press would give equal time, there are enough similar cases among Protestants and otehr faiths to whet the appetites of those who live to hear of that kind of scandal.
The difference between us and them is that we don't have a governing body to either establish some sort of discpline or (as seems to happen so often) sweep it under the rug.
The first thing that comes to mind is the thought that if we were more "out" in public, people would be less likely to think that the actions of one reflect on all.
But yes, I have to agree fully with one of the other posters who made a point that is not stated often enough: young people need to be shown how to find a teacher and discern the ones who are safe.
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| Call The Facts Into The Light! | Jun 10th. at 1:37:01 pm EDT
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Bronwynn Torgerson (Phoenix, Arizona) - Email Me
As I see it, there are 2 things we as members of the Wiccan community can do in this situation:
1. Provide seekers of any age with guidelines as to what constitutes shady, unethical or hidden agenda contacts with those purporting to be Craft.
2. Do a working to call the truth of this situation out into the light, where all the facts of all parties involved become known and can be dealt with in a swift & just way. I will be doing such a private working myself, invoking the Gods I associate with honesty and justice.
As many have posted, all the facts are not yet in. Whatever a person's religion, child molestation horribly happens. However, there are also sometimes fictitious allegations lodged by a hostile former spouse, etc. Let's call this out in the Light.
And by the way, if this abuse supposedly had been going on for 6 years, this man is obviously someone who knew the child/family intimately...an insider. Where was Mom?
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| Evidence? | Jun 10th. at 12:19:38 pm EDT
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Coven of the Desert Muse (Phoenix, Arizona) - Email Me
I believe there will be a lot of back lash due to the manner in which this story broke. There is already much unfounded prejudice against Neo-Pagans and I fear that this will only fuel the fire by sending rightfully concerned parents on a Witch Hunt. Thankfully they seemed to suggest asking intelligent, rational, carefully thought questions of your child with regards to where they picked up the information, but there will surely be those who simply blow up, panic and trash everything the child (or spouse or friend) possesses that might vaguely be associated with Witchcraft.
The police seem to be using the only link that they think they may have to find other victims, which is commendable IF in fact what they say is true and they have some real evidence that there are other children who have been harmed (which they are not outlining, but evidence could include such things as photographs or video) . And they "seriously" think that this man may have dabbled and/or used aspects of Wiccan practice in order to "attract kids" for the purpose of abuse (however the article does suggest that he used it to “spark the interest of the child” in question who was 6 when this all began) . There ARE low-life people who actually do that. And we have some of those people here in Arizona. Phoenix has a large concentration of documented sex offenders who might use any means at their disposal to continue to commit these crimes not to mention any that just haven't been caught yet.
We as responsible Pagans can't kid ourselves. Denial doesn't help to keep our children safe, weeding out predators does.
And of course we must remember that just because police may have found a book or 2 on the subject in his home, doesn't really make him a practicing Wiccan any more than owning a Bible makes anyone a good christian. And child molestation rules him out as a genuine Wiccan all together but it has never kept anyone form “self professing” to be Wiccan!
This really gives our community a black eye in the public view and we will likely hear about it in months to come when we begin publicizing Pagan Pride Day.
While I am grateful for the tiny bit of general information given in the channel 5 article, sadly I feel that the news media may exploit the Wiccan connection as a ploy to further their own ratings while informing "and inflaming" the public. I hope that they will be much more responsible and fair in their portrayal of Wicca as this case moves on if they insist on mentioning it.
We should all follow this case very closely.
I feel that this is even further reason to look to the things that strengthen us and foster pride in ourselves individually and our identity as a larger Pagan community.
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| Police: May Have Used The Christian Religion... | Jun 10th. at 10:36:31 am EDT
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swampwizard (Morgan City, Louisiana) - Email Me
The very first thing that caught my eye was the mention of the Wiccan religion. Now, if this were a self-proclaimed Christin, do you think instead of the headline reading:
"Police: Other Victims Sought In Officer Sex Abuse Case
Police: May Have Used Wiccan Religion To Lure Victims "
It would have read:
"Police: Other Victims Sought In Officer Sex Abuse Case
Police: May Have Used The Christian Religion To Lure Victims "
I highly doubt it would. I just find the way the article is written is that of someone that Wicca is some mystical relition. For example, the article states:
"The Wiccan religion, also known as "the craft," or "wicca," is part of contemporary paganism.
Rituals usually include meditation, music and the use of magical tools."
Doesn't Christianity use the same? Meditation = Prayer.. Music, don't many churches sing hymns or have bands? Magical tools, don't preachers sometimes refer to the front of the church as "come to the altar?"
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| Moderating The Community Outrage. | Jun 10th. at 1:16:40 am EDT
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Friday Scott (Middleton, Wisconsin) - Email Me
OK, just to sum up the usual way this sort of thing (though rarely with quite such an inflammatory headline) goes:
Some newspaper writer finally stops calling us 'Self-described' Wiccans when they instead can plausibly accuse 'A Wiccan' of harming a child like the Jack Chick comics say or something.
We react, in three, I think sensible ways:
a) Assume it's the usual frame-up cause invariably it'll turn out that what prompted the suddenly-firm connection of someone to 'Wicca' was something in the accused's house that the oft-disinformed police 'experts' *called* Wiccan.
This'll usually turn out to be any number of things cops can call 'Occult' and disinformed or half-informed junior reporters feel literate substituting the word 'Wicca' for. It could be any number of Satanic things, heavy metal posters, even, at this point, some Harry Potter stuff (certainly a much more plausible bait for a six-year old)
Or, Gods forbid, a troubled person was maybe looking for some sort of way out of a bad cycle by looking into religion, or callously picking up some of the trappings of Wicca in order to construct an M.O.
Or the victim could have been induced to finger a 'witch' in order to get some attention.
We don't know, and if it ever comes out, it'll probably be in a quiet correction of the non-sensational truth. A little more bracing for violence from the outside when someone indoctrinated to think 'Wicca is a Satanic baby-eating cult,' decides the 'vindication' has finally arrived and tries firebombing the nearest Wiccan- (looking) thing or person.
B) Some of us will presume or hypothesize guilt, and voice our rage and indignance that that someone may in fact have used some part of Wicca, or been or thought they were Wiccan and committed such a horrible crime.
We'll vent our as-yet undirectable anger at the very idea of child molestation, particularly supposedly in the name of the Gods, ...How we hold motherhood sacred and any half-educated excuse for a Wiccan ought to have expected a particularly nasty threefold return on every aspect of every action that such violations involve.
I'm proud of us, there. I have seen among us that while we cannot control what everyone who could possibly call themselves Wiccan might do, that we *do not tolerate* this among us.
If anyone actually knows this guy, and such things have been done, there'll be... a lot of remorse, likely. And disbelief, I suppose. Outrage at any deceptions involved, too, I'm sure.
And C) The folks who remember Justice and discernment and caution us not to start slinging harsh stuff around until we get some facts. And start getting some facts.
Let Justice be done, and shown.
All very good and understandable reactions in the community. It's a good community.
I'm going to go with role C for now, cause my outrage about A and B are non-productive right now.
Except to say that if what this *snippet* of a half-an article with an inflammatory headline and no real facts to speak of turns out to be correct, and he's guilty and Wiccan, then there should be Pagan prison chaplains in Arizona.
Cause if this guy wanted some Wicca, he should *get* some Wicca. Gimme a plane ticket and sign me up. I'll show him some Wicca.
After all, he might need some help with those threefold returns. You know what happens to child-molestors in prison. The place is just chock full of abused kids, and people willing to violate others for their own dubious gratification.
And, let's remember: the profile of an actual molester is usually pretty sociopathic, narcissistic, manipulative in at least some way, and usually one who plays for sympathy as a victim with adults when confronted on such things.
Not to encourage 'internal 'witch-hunts' of any kind, but to remind us all of our responsibilities in these matters... Remember: the routine defamation of Wiccans as amoral sex-fiends who might *approve* of such crimes might well attract those so inclined to look into it, not to mention what may seem to be a promise of 'easy power'.
Of course, people with that in mind don't last long, when they find out how much *work and self-examination* is involved, not to mention healthy community. But they do sometimes lurk a while, and can do much damage.
And tree-hugging. I think saying there's a requirement for actually hugging trees might actually deter a lot of these creeps: they're prideful.
(trying to smile: mirth *and* reverence, and all. I think the Protectress of children would approve. )
Hey, and they might just actually learn something. :)
( Ok, that* makes me smile. )
There's another issue, here, in a way: Wicca is *not* structurally-meant to be some form of 'universal church.' No one can stand between people and the Gods, but there is no obligation to put people in a circle of 'perfect love and perfect trust' if you know darn well you can't trust em.
What I've seen in the Catholic Church has been molesters and rapists being *supported* because, really, if it were admitted they were really doing it, that authority over the masses might be seen to fall apart.
So the religion becomes the supporter and enabler of the abuse.
When I look at the Pagan community in general, I have to say, the thing I'm proudest of is *the kids.* Awesome, awesome kids. Not all grow up to remain Pagan, (except maybe in heart) but all seem to benefit from having grown up apart from the institutionalized theological terrors that I can't help but think so many other religions represent.
It's unfair for the media to say, 'Because someone picked up a book on (what we think might be) Wicca and did something very wrong, they are what Wicca represents.'
Because they obviously aren't. It's a disease in the culture all around us to which we would be foolish to consider ourselves entirely immune.
But we don't have to put up with it. And we certainly *better* not become enablers of it. As we stand for our rights to be considered a religion in our own regard ...ironically enough because we eschew many of the trappings of power and corruption which some recently-reconstructed redefinitions of 'religion' were drafted to try and exclude us from consideration as in the VA case, (Thankfully, it seems, that idea was dropped, possibly along with the 'rules they needed to rewrite?' .....notice how when connecting us to child molesting, we're referred to as a religion without qualifiers for once?)
...well, we must remember this.
We have our community leaders and institutions, overworked, both, and respected by acclaim, and by the work... Let's *not* forget that just because we are subject to all the defamation which this case may be part of, or even a result of... that this is part of what makes ...whatever Wicca is, ...what it is.
We need to stand firm in some of these convictions, when this comes up. Express both our outrage at the ongoing abuses in society, *wherever they happen,* and at the constant defamation of ourselves whenever a crime happens within a block of a book about us or something someone thinks is about us.
More than that, we need to speak firm on *why* such crimes are about as un-Wiccan as one could *get.*
Because the Goddess is among many other things a child molester doesn't want to run afoul of, a strong Mother. A Maiden protector, ....a, Well, let's leave Gramma to the imagination, shall we?
Not only that, but that we have healthier views of *the God* than do such imaginations of us that come from a worldview full of shame and control and talking about 'trials of lust' (and other unhealthy ideas bound to screw up and hurt people bad somewhere )
...these same ideas that seem to get worked into so much institutionalized and sanctified, and even shame-enabled abuses, well, we're *accused* of them, because to those institutions convinced that 'evil' is a 'fun temptation,' ....to whom we're supposed to be the bad guys....
Well, they may not draw a big distinction between the 'mortal sins' of consentual sex outside a priest's OK, as opposed to the, well, at most equally 'mortal sins' of rape and molestation and even murder, but *we do.* Fiercely.
Some of these 'morals' we're supposed to lack don't seem to teach that there's a *difference* between the 'evil' they see in a kid masturbating, as opposed to that of the same kid growing up into someone who *scars children for life.* Cause maybe he thinks 'God' doesn't care the difference.
But, we should be saying this:
Oh, we *do* draw the distinction. Fiercely.
As, in fact, does the normative American culture.
This isn't to say that we should be foolish enough to return hate for hate, but, I think we *are* entitled to point out that Wiccan theology and ethics and practice are *more* demanding on issues like this, not *less* as so many hasten to accuse us of being.
We must talk about threefold returns and all, but maybe not enough in terms of *actually, this applies to everything you do.* Not just 'Oh, don't be too afraid of the magic, we know better than to try and hurt anyone. with it.'
Maybe even it's time to stop indulging talk about the study and practice of magic as about something spooky and paranormal... (not that I mind having some of *that* in my back pocket at need) ...but we should start talking about the fact it *teaches us about the effects of our actions and even intentions and perceptions.*
Maybe some talk about how acts of 'love *and* pleasure' are *sacred observances,* which rape and coercion and dishonesty *desecrate.*
This idea may be just as scary to some radicals, (who maybe *can't* see the difference between hurting a child that way and simply breaking a particular set of restrictive tabooes...) but, not so scary to the average person.
They can understand *that.*
I say, when this kind of story happens, be it more of the usual media hyperbole and defamation, or, maybe someday, the real deal...
We don't react defensively. We show our hearts.
...and our temperance.
Whoever 'we' is. :)
They can understand *that.*
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| Hmm | Jun 9th. at 5:45:23 pm EDT
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Ravenowl (Amboy, Oklahoma) - Email Me
What it sounds like to me is that the girl started talking about Wicca and as she was coming into age of really starting to understand it. She prolly told one of her friends.. about it.. her friend asked her/his parents.. and thus they pulled an intervention.. made a huge assumption that she couldnt found Wicca on her own and had to blame someone.. and found this poor sap.. but as its not illegal to teach their kiddos other religions.. so they forced a confession out of the girl.. if they did even that... as this article was as brief as it could have possibily been.. obviously her parents trusted this guy.. and if he did actually do it.. they trusted him for his association with the law.. certainly not his association with his religion
There are huge signs that somethings wrong.. in kiddoes between 6 and 12... and I as a parent couldnt phathom the notion that I wouldnt see them..
Some of the comments shown me exactly why people use this to destroy someone.. because it works... if you are accussed of this horrid horrid thing.. your already guilty.. proof goes out the window... people see someone accused of this and instantly they are demons.. Goddess forbid if he actually didnt do anything.
On a side note.. what 6 year old kiddo that you guys and gals know that would be interested in Wicca? The ones I know are more interested in having fun then something as boring (to them) as religion
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| I Absolutely Hate It When The Press . . . | Jun 9th. at 4:25:01 pm EDT
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Shadowbear (Hillsboro, Oregon) - Email Me
calls someone a "self-proclaimed witch," this is true. I hate it because they never say that about any other religious group. If the said the accused was a "self-proclaimed christian" that would even things out but they never do. You are a christian (fact) if you say so but if you say you are a witch that is questionable.
Whatever this guy says or does not say he is is irrelevant. If he did molest this girl for years - whatever he used to lure her in in the first place is also irrelevant. The fact that he may or may not have said or done something to interest her and get her to go with him is the point.
There are criminals who say they are of many faiths including ours. This is reality. Whether or not this man is one of them (either a witch or a criminal) remains to be seen. This article gives no real information.
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| *Hangs Head* | Jun 9th. at 2:02:02 pm EDT
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Fraoch (Shelby, North Carolina) - Email Me
You know, I really hope so high to Her that this isn't true, I don't care who the dude is. However, if it isn't, and he is one of ours... I don't even want to think about that... What makes it so much more despicable in that case is that there are two victims, the falsely accused, and the little girl whose been programmed. (Religious Studies 363: Cults and Religions on the Fringe... We discussed how psychiatrists and psychologists did that sort of things, and as most of you know, it's terrible) . I, personally, am a little leary, due to the lack of facts, the anonymous (so far) tip, and "where are her parent's?" Plus, a six year old child is not going to be interested in our stuff.
However, if that guy is guilty... I don't want to think about that either. I don't want to know that someone who is supposed to be attuned with the Natural Order horribly ruined a girl's, an avatar of the Goddess that he's supposed to honor, life. That's an abomination in our books. (We don't throw that word around much, do we?) To harm the innocent is to spit in the face of Nature, and that's just against the law behind every thing in Neo Paganism, whether one follows the tenants of Wicca or not. (Not meaning to speak for folks, but this is just right out... I'm hoping for everyone) .
Last, but not least, if he is a rat bastard or not, this fuels the old fires of hatred.
Damn.
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| Blind Spot | Jun 9th. at 10:35:36 am EDT
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Finn (San Marcos, Texas) - Email Me
I hope that it turns out this person has nothing to do with Wiccans, Pagans, and/or Heathens, but that is beside the point. We need to grow up. There are people under the Pagan Umbrella who are pond scum. It does us (and potential victims) a disservice when we pretend that these predators don't exist among us. They do.
As long as we continue to upkeep this blind spot, this notion that "real" Wiccans, Pagans, and/or Heathens are incapable of such crimes, we are contributing the problem. We provide them with camouflage, making ourselves like a parent who turn a blind eye to another parent's child abuse. It is far easier to pretend it doesn't exist.
I've said this before. I'll say it again. If you open the amusement park to everyone, then EVERYONE is going to show up. The so-called Pagan Community has no standards, no system of self police, no real records, no entry requirements, and so on. All it takes to be a Wiccan, Pagan, and/or Heathen these days is to CALL yourself one. I've seen so many people bristle when the press refers to people as "self-proclaimed witch" or whatever. That annoys you, and yet you complain and cajole when someone you don't like (pond scum) can do it?
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| Vague Connection | Jun 9th. at 9:46:35 am EDT
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Ahr-Ohn (Bridgeport, Connecticut) - Email Me
"Officers said Williamson might have used his involvement with the Wiccan religion to spark the interest of the girl. "
133.4 begins with 13, so why would any Wiccan Religion have sparked special interest, in a 6 year old? Hugs, Candy and a place to play house, might have sparked some interest, and there are a lot of kids who could use more adult interest, but the Magic of a Child requires more Nurturing, than Instruction.
12, otoh, is transitioning between the 8-11 market, and the 13-16 market, so the relationship might have been going south. We don't even have sufficient facts to assume the relationship was at all improper, since the "tip" could easily have come from the same person, who coached the "Victim."
That the Police accuse him of being Wiccan, doesn't tell us whether he'd actual involvement in any tradition, or individual proffession, but that he's a Gaolieur certainly doesn't speak well of him. In fact, it's possible the Wiccan Angle came from the tip from a Co-worker... Let's have a peek at that...
Drawn is The Chariot Inverted: Failure; To lose at the last minute, something otherwise in your grasp; Sudden collapse of plans; Overwhelmed; Failure to face reality... How does this apply to him; how does this apply to the rest of us?
Arawn
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| ... | Jun 9th. at 9:28:28 am EDT
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Draken (Bronx, New York) - Email Me - Web
What we need is Kerr Cuhulain to expose the truth of this article. They didn't sensationalize it like the others.
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| More Hype From Police And Media | Jun 9th. at 8:00:24 am EDT
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stalkingwolf (Bullhead City, Arizona) - Email Me
I live in AZ and heard this story when it broke two days ago. I have followed it up, listened to the police spokesperson, and the investigation of the reporter.
The reporters " Investigation " consisted of a 5 min. search on the internet, This defined in her mind what
Wicca, Wiccan, and The Craft is.
The only sure link between this man and Wicca so far
is a comment by the Police spokesperson about his "
alleged" connection with Wicca. The media and police say he is wiccan but I have yet to see anything
where He says he is Wiccan.
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| Again? | Jun 9th. at 4:35:35 am EDT
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bigcat (peoria, Illinois) - Email Me
It's either a poser, using Wicca as means to molest her-or someone needing to spice up a story with a headline in order to discredit real Wiccans.
Every religion has its bad apples, as someone else has said, and there is very little to commend some who practice xtianity- and use that religion as an excuse to gull people out of their cash-or to molest the kids in their own flocks- or to preach hatred and violence in the name of their god.
And the news industry has a few in their own midst as well-if sensationalism is the only way they can get a story read, and their byline recognized.
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