Convicted Molester's Hearing Closed, Media Cites "Judicial System Run Amok"

Citing the needs of a 12-year-old victim, the Lawrence County DA’s office asked that a hearing for a convicted child molester be closed to the public. The defendant has previously been convicted of sex offenses against children and has been deemed a violent sexual predator under Megan’s Law. While awaiting disposition of the charges that led to the conviction and SVP label, he allegedly abused an 11-year-old boy multiple times at a construction site where he was the supervisor. Reporters and Editors at the Beaver County Times were furious by the closed court. They acknowledged that they are “sensitive” to juvenile victims but cautioned the circumstances of this case demonstrated “a judicial system run amok.” Lawrence County DA Matt Mangino countered, "The purpose was first and foremost to protect the victim in this case, who would be testifying in what I'm sure would have been a particularly embarrassing and painful situation," Mangino said. To read the full story in the Beaver County Times click here.