Published: May 01, 2008 11:07 am            

Clark County molestation case nearly expires under state law

Man accepted plea deal in Scott County; faces charges in Clark

Clark County prosecutors nearly lost out on charging a man for alleged molestation because of state statute.

Robert Allan Waters, 53, faces eight counts of child molesting and incest for incidents allegedly involving two young family members, a report from WLKY-TV in Louisville says. According to court records, Waters admitted to police he performed oral sex on victims repeatedly, passing it off as playing.

Around the time of a Clark County investigation, prosecutors in Scott County filed multiple charges in connection with the alleged sexual molestation of two family friends. That was in 2007.

But the Clark County cases date back to the early 1980s.

“So, what we have charged here is 1981 law, as it was back then, not what is currently on the books, which would make this a felony, what he’d done,” said Clark County Prosecutor Shelley Marble.

In 1981, molestation was a class B felony, which, according to Indiana law, has a statute of limitations ending after a victim’s 31st birthday. Because of that, prosecutors filed the charges just before the deadline.

“In other states, that’s not the case. Child molestation and certain things are forever,” Marble said.

In Kentucky, there’s no limit on any felony, which has enabled the prosecution of decades-old priest sexual abuse cases.

Multiple sources confirm that Robert Allan Waters was involved with the Boy Scouts of America. While there is no evidence he harmed boys in his troop, court records show he admits abusing others.

“This guy actually was a predator and very opportunistic when it came to his victims,” said Clark Country Sheriff’s Department Detective Lt. Randy Burton.

“He took one of his victims and he decided no more, this is the last time, he actually prayed for both their sins, made him get down and pray with him for both of their sins,” Burton said. “Almost putting the blame right back on the victim.”

Waters accepted a plea deal in his Scott County case and will be sentenced next month. After that, he will answer to charges in Clark County.

According to court records, Waters also admitted to an improper relationship with a teenager in Floyd County. There is no address listed on court records for the Clark County case, but past traffic tickets with the same name list an Otisco address.

— Reprinted courtesy of WLKY-TV in Louisville

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.