Attorney James E. Crawford Jr. Defends Rape Charge in Anne Arndel Circuit Court
Crofton teen who admitted raping
girl, 7, to be tried as adult
Judge says sending defendant, 17, to juvenile system would be too risky, wishes he had other choices
September 15, 2009
A 17-year-old boy who told police that he raped a 7-year-old girl in his Crofton neighborhood will be tried as an adult - though the judge who made that decision Monday said he wished he had another option.
Anne Arundel County Circuit Judge Philip T. Caroom said David B. Raszewski would be better helped by intensive treatment until the age of 21 in a locked juvenile facility, which has tailored programs for youths like him, than in a prison where programs are less specialized and geared toward older offenders.
But the judge said the public safety risks of sending the teenager through the juvenile system, from which he would be released without monitoring at the age of 21 even if he did not complete treatment, were too great. He said David admitted that he knew it was wrong to have lured the youngster into his home from a playground and sexually assaulted her after her babysitter took her brother to the bathroom, but he did it anyway.
“From society’s point of view, it would be unforgivable for a second crime to occur when the courts … had an opportunity to prevent it,” Caroom said.
He said he wished Maryland offered a tiered system that would start with juvenile treatment, followed by aspects of adult court once the offender is pushed out of the juvenile system at age 21.
David will face 19 charges at an adult court trial scheduled for Sept. 29. The most serious is first-degree rape, for which the maximum punishment is life in prison.
Defense lawyer James E. Crawford Jr. was considering an appeal.
“We have three people here, three experts, telling us that [a youth facility] is the best place for David to be,” Crawford said. He said New Directions, on the grounds of the former Hickey School, also could address his client’s autism disorder and learning disabilities, and that David could be victimized in an adult prison.
But Assistant State’s Attorney Sandra F. Howell said “it was the only decision to make about these difficult events.”
The victim’s family, some of whom left the courtroom as the March 20 crime was detailed, appeared relieved.
“This is about all kids, all children. Hopefully, this will never ever have to happen to another child,” her aunt said.
Copyright © 2009, The Baltimore Sun
17 years old knows better…he should be punished as an adult for destroying that poor childs innocence. ANYONE that hurts a child should be castrated!!! I hope that poor little girl can learn to deal with and get over that traumatic experience…it will affect her for the rest of her life. He deserves what he gets.
kab1018 (09/16/2009, 10:28 AM )
Why is this guy now the victim? Stop worrying about his well-being. Put him in the worst prison and hope that he gets raped. Then let him tell his story to the media. Statistics have shown that there is a very high probability that he will commit another similar crime in the future. Hopefullly, his experiences will be a deterrent to some other pervert.
dilogdp (09/16/2009, 6:27 AM )
Maryland needs to toughen up on crime. In Texas 17 yrs old is considered an adult in criminal cases regardless of severity.
MK482 (09/16/2009, 12:47 AM )
Seventeen years old is old enough to know right from wrong. If he were eighteen he would go away to prison for life. Ihope he “enjoys” whatever time they give him.
davidwayneosedach (09/15/2009, 7:14 PM )
Cut it off at the base and sew it in his mouth. Then put him in general pop at supermax they can take care of thingas the right way. Deserves no ones simpathy.
MJH5150 (09/15/2009, 5:37 PM )
Maybe he’ll come into contact with a samurai sword.
Baltesquire (09/15/2009, 1:46 PM )
I’m glad the 17 year old is going to be tried as an adult. Do the crime do the time. He should not have been allow to be tried as a juvenile in the first place.Some bleeding heart judges let these criminals off much too easy. Men who rape innocent little kids should be castrated.
Tweety50 (09/15/2009, 12:56 PM )
Who cares what this judge “wishes”. Just apply the law..with concern for the child victim, not the rapist animal.
tdmarylandz (09/15/2009, 12:13 PM )
I hope he needs soap on a rope!
Monkeysmasher43 (09/15/2009, 11:58 AM )
This punk should be hung from the nearest tree! I’ll get the rope! LOL
RT
www.web-privacy.de.tc
woodomomo (09/15/2009, 10:06 AM )
“He said New Directions, on the grounds of the former Hickey School, also could address his client’s autism disorder and learning disabilities, and that David could be victimized in an adult prison.” WTF? What an assbackwards world.
elyh (09/15/2009, 9:53 AM )
Why do we always feel sorry for the perpetrator? That is why we have so many of them in the first place. He needs to go to “big boy” prison as it specifically states that he knew he was wrong, but did it anyway. He will know just how she felt soon enough.
krs0117 (09/15/2009, 8:55 AM )
Why don’t we send him to the Middle East and let them determine his punishment?
blaqbullet (09/15/2009, 8:41 AM )
Good. Let’s see how “bad” he is once his sorry behind is sentenced to serve time in an adult prison. It will only be then that he’ll realize the horror of what he put that poor, innocent child through. It would be even better to send him to a prison out of state.
Cassie723 (09/15/2009, 8:00 AM )