Ex-youth Coach Indicted in Citadel Sex Case

Ex-youth Coach Indicted in Citadel Sex Case (via MSNBC.com)

The news story above from MSNBC provides yet another example of a teacher/coach using a position of authority to prey on innocent children. And just like Penn State and certain clergy of the Roman Catholic Church, the Citadel – easily one of America’s most prestigious military academies – chose to look the other way. This is the type of real-life story that inspired my novel, LITTLE 15. The issues here go deeper than just pedophilia and sexual misconduct; it’s about power and control and taking advantage of the most vulnerable members of our society.

Parents: talk to your children about these type of “friendly” predators and entrust your kids to no one. Don’t leave it to the schools to do it for you. Never assume that coaches and teachers have your children’s best interests in mind. And whatever you do, minimize your kids’ alone time with other adults outside of school and sports, or better yet, don’t allow it at all unless you are present and aware.

Thank you to my dear husband for passing this along.