An ex-child abuse US detective admitted to molesting minors. He could soon be free
An ex-child abuse US detective admitted to molesting minors. He could soon be free The Guardian US
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A former child sex crimes detective gets another chance at freedom
A former child sex crimes detective who admitted to molesting children during his New Orleans policing career has been given another opportunity at relative freedom. Stanley Burkhardt, who has been in and out of prison for images depicting the sexual abuse of minors and has been investigated in connection with a series of killings, was recently transferred to a halfway house after spending the last few years in intensive therapy at a federal prison in North Carolina.
Transfer to Halfway House
US district judge James Dever III signed the transfer order on 25 March after two reports by Federal Bureau of Prisons psychologist Katherine Sunder declared that Burkhardt’s mental condition had improved to the point that he “would not be sexually dangerous if released under a prescribed regimen of care and treatment”. Based on these reports, federal prosecutors and Burkhardt’s attorney jointly requested his release, which was granted by Judge Dever.
- Burkhardt should spend six months in a halfway house in or near New Orleans.
- He must obtain approval for visitors and participate in sex offender therapy.
- He must gain employment and keep a log of his movements.
- He is prohibited from accessing internet sites or applications promoting pornography or casual sexual encounters.
One of Burkhardt’s victims, Richard Windmann, expressed disbelief and concern over his release. Windmann, who now advocates for survivors of child sex abuse, criticized the justice system for failing to protect children from repeat predators like Burkhardt.
Impact on Victims
Burkhardt’s release has reignited the trauma experienced by his victims. Windmann, who was abused by Burkhardt as a child, stated that his childhood was ruined by the former detective’s actions. Windmann has since founded an advocacy organization and is running for a seat in the Texas state house of representatives.
Cold Cases Reopened
Burkhardt’s release has also led to the reopening of cold cases related to his alleged crimes. Windmann claimed that Burkhardt confessed to killing a teenage boy who frequented New Orleans’ French Quarter. This revelation prompted cold case detectives to re-examine the drowning death of Edward Wells and the strangulation killings of three other teenagers in the late 1970s.
Despite Burkhardt’s admission to molesting Windmann, he denied committing murder. The legal process surrounding Burkhardt’s case culminated in a ruling that determined he remained a sexually dangerous person deserving of an indefinite return to prison.
Legal Proceedings and Lawsuit
Windmann has filed a lawsuit against Burkhardt and the city government of New Orleans seeking damages for his abuse. The city’s attorneys argue that the lawsuit should be dismissed due to the statute of limitations. However, Windmann contends that he tried to report his abuse to Burkhardt’s fellow officers but was turned away or discouraged from doing so.
Windmann’s attorney believes that he can pursue his claim against the city under a law that eliminates filing deadlines in cases of long-ago sexual abuse. Although the law was recently struck down as unconstitutional, Windmann’s attorney argues that this ruling does not apply to government entities.
Despite the challenges, Windmann remains determined to see his lawsuit through to the end.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The article discusses the release of a former child sex crimes detective who admitted to molesting children and has been investigated in connection with a series of killings. These issues are connected to SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. The article highlights the impact of the detective’s actions on his victims, emphasizing the need for justice and support for survivors.
Additionally, the article touches on SDG 16, which focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. The article highlights the failures of the justice system in dealing with repeat predatory pedophiles and the need for accountability and protection for children.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres
- SDG 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against children
- SDG 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all
The article highlights the sexual abuse of minors by the former detective, which aligns with SDG 5.2’s target of eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls. The victims’ experiences also emphasize the need to end abuse and violence against children, as stated in SDG 16.2.
Furthermore, the failures of the justice system and the need for accountability and access to justice for survivors align with SDG 16.3’s target of promoting the rule of law and ensuring equal access to justice for all.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of reported cases of violence against women and girls
- Number of convictions and sentences for perpetrators of violence against children
- Availability and accessibility of support services for survivors of abuse
- Efficiency and effectiveness of the justice system in handling cases of child abuse and sexual offenses
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators, but the following indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators would require data collection and monitoring systems to track the number of reported cases, convictions, and sentences for perpetrators of violence against women, girls, and children. Additionally, the availability and accessibility of support services for survivors and the efficiency and effectiveness of the justice system can be measured through surveys, interviews, and assessments.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres | – Number of reported cases of violence against women and girls – Availability and accessibility of support services for survivors of abuse |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against children 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all |
– Number of convictions and sentences for perpetrators of violence against children – Efficiency and effectiveness of the justice system in handling cases of child abuse and sexual offenses |
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Source: theguardian.com
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