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Highlands Today

What About The Victims?

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Jay Yates

Published: November 27, 2007

On Nov. 1, there was a front page article about a convicted sexual predator named Dale Leland, titled "Family, Friends Plea for Man in Court." It was full of quotes from his friends, neighbors, co-workers and lawyer, all vouching for him.

Dale already confessed to detectives. Evidence supported the charges and he was found guilty by the jury. Yet, despite the conviction, these character witnesses implied that the sweet, innocent girls lied, making Dale the victim.

MSNBC ran the series, "To catch a predator." Predators would meet "underage" targets online, using sexually explicit language. When the predator showed up for pre-arranged sex, the MSNBC investigator spoke briefly to him, then allowed him to leave. Once outside, local police quickly arrested him. The series concluded with the trial and sentencing of each. Without even touching their underage victims, every predator was convicted. Among them was a doctor, a college professor and a child services worker, all liked and respected in their communities. Like Dale, probably many vouched for them.

The trial records prove that Dale did more than show up. He violated the most sacred of all trusts, the parent preyed on underage children.

In vouching for Dale, the mother, Lori Leland, chose to blame her daughters for this heinous crime, rather than protect and defend them. Victims again! How unconscionable.

Step-dad, mom, even neighbors and church "friends" that never got the girls' side of the story betrayed their trust. Shame on you all!

Jay Yates
Sebring

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