Indicted Serial Rapist Receives Overwhelming Support.
This summer, the Anchorage Assembly met to hear public testimony for Ordinance 64, which would add the words “sexual orientation” to the city’s non-discrimination policy in matters of housing, employment, education and use of public facilities. This matter brought hundreds from the Anchorage Baptist Temple and other conservative churches in the area to testify against the ordinance. The Anchorage Assembly passed the ordinance to include the new wording, but new Mayor Dan Sullivan vetoed it.
There were many who attended these meetings who were in favor of the ordinance, as was the majority of Anchorage. But, it was difficult to sit and listen to the misinformation, the fear, the insults, and the Bible readings from what felt like an endless parade of people clad in red shirts, worn to symbolically tout their conservative credentials.
And of course there were those who wore blue shirts, in support of the ordinance. And there were those who didn’t wear any particular color, knowing that people were more likely to listen to what they had to say if they didn’t literally wear their opinions on their sleeves.
Those who spoke up in favor of the ordinance were brave. They were usually the minority group in the room. They told stories that were very human. Long-time partners, mothers and fathers, sisters, uncles, all told stories of the pain and fear they had experienced, and their desire to just be treated like people, with the same basic rights as everyone else. Sharing these stories could not have been easy, knowing that the next person up at the podium was likely to tell them that they were pedophiles, and sexual deviants, and predators that were going to burn in Hell.
It felt like watching vulnerable people, people who had been on the receiving end of injustice, and were brave enough to stand in front of people, getting kicked in the gut. And this went on for hours, for days, for weeks. Those who survived those meetings look at each other now, knowingly. They are a band of brothers, and sisters.
Fast forward to today.
Anchorage police officer Anthony Rollins stands accused. He has been indicted and is charged with four counts of first-degree sexual assault, six counts of second-degree sexual assault, four counts of criminal use of a computer and six counts of official misconduct, all while on duty.
A woman who identified herself as one of the victims said in a telephone interview that Rollins picked her up in Mountain View on a cold December night and offered her a ride home. But instead of taking her to her home, he took her to the police substation and assaulted her.
She was 20 years old at the time.
So far, six women have come forward and accused the officer of rape, or other acts of sexual assault, while he was on patrol.
Nancy Haag, executive director of Standing Together Against Rape, said the group does not comment on specific individuals or cases.
“Any sexual assault is traumatic and I’m sure an authority figure only compounds that trauma, fear and hopelessness,” she said. “In general, the issues that need to be recognized here are those who perpetrate these crimes need to be held accountable and the survivors need deserve to be heard, believed and offered support.”
Yesterday, Rollins had his second bail hearing and the courtroom was packed. It was standing room only with those who had come to show their support. They had not, however, as Nancy Haag hoped, come to support the victims. They had come from another local Baptist church to support their fellow church-goer and indicted serial rapist, Anthony Rollins.
At least this time the victims that showed up for the hearing were able to sit in a chair. At the first hearing, according to a source at STAR, two victims were forced to fight their way through the mass of people and stand, “crushed against the back wall” by the crowds that had come to give moral support to the man they say sexually assaulted them. “They couldn’t even see,” she said. “The mood of the people who came was like it was some kind of social event. It was appalling.”
The court room was packed to overflowing, with Rollins’ church supporters filling the defendant’s side of the room, the seats in the jury box, the side of the coutroom usually reserved for the plaintiff, and spilling out into the hall when the room reached capacity.
This time, knowing what awaited them, arrangements were made in advance for the victims and their families to have access to the courtroom and a place to sit down. What that experience must have been like, facing your accused rapist in a room full of his supporters is to most of us, unimaginable.
Today, Anthony Rollins is out on $100,000 bail, after having been told by the judge that he understood how important it was that he attend church on Sundays. Hopefully as this case progresses, the seats on the plaintiff’s side of the courthouse will be filled to support six very brave women who deserve to know that people care about them, and about seeing justice served.
Oh, I just don’t think there’s anything to be said about this except UGH and how sad…
I will pray for those victims, though!
that is just sickening…my thought go to the victims and i hope justice is served
i, too, am sick at this story
I don’t understand how the Anchorage Baptist Temple can maintain its tax-exempt status.
God Bless those members of the Baptist Church. =(
I am absolutely speechless in the face of this misguided support by the Chosen Christians for a person who has ruined so many lives – and he is treated so much better than the victims. How can his supporters sleep at night? This world is truly becoming more bizarre and cruel at a rapid pace.
May the victims know that there are many out here who support them and would be there in person if possible. My heart goes out to all these women who had their trust destroyed and their bodies violated by a most un-Christian act!
It makes me glad that I did not put my faith in any particular church but in the teachings to love one another, treat others as one wishes to be treated, to allow all to worship in their own way – as long as it doesn’t negatively impact others.
There is nothing Christian about these church-goers in this courtroom. The judge just intensifies the lack of compassion for the victims when he allows the rapist to go free to attend church. That is no church in my eyes.
This is disgusting. What a bunch of goobers. I wonder how proud the members of that church are to be part of Satan’s army. Warriors for Satan? Wish I lived up there. I would organize a picket line and carry a sign saying “This Church Supports Rapists”
Oh. My. God.
If God exists, I’m sure he’s weeping, and not for Mr. Serial Rapist.
Has he at least been suspended from his job or is he out there tonight cruising for a new victim?
Has he been to trial yet and found guilty? If not, then he is presumed innocent. Although it is unfortunate that the victims have been treated so badly, it is possible that the man’s church friends believe he is innocent and showed up in court to offer him support. If my friend were accused of a crime and I believed him innocent, I would certainly attend court proceedings to show support; that is what good friends do.
I am appalled – just goes to show you that people (probably DECENT people) can be lead into a cult like this, all under the guise of a “church.” I suppose they will blame the victims too – especially if they were not dressed modestly or did not attend the right church. Sorry to say this, but with Sullivan vetoing the wishes of the Assembly (Ordinance 64) and this story, it appears that the Baptist church is now in charge of your city Government.
“Anchorage Theocracy” might make for an eye-opening essay AKM.
Sue @ 11
Yes, he does have the right to be presumed innocent – As do the many members of the GLBT community that stand accused of sexual deviancy and perversion simply because of their sexual orientation.
I’m sure Rollins’ fellow church members stood in similar constitutional solidarity to protest the innocence of gays and lesbians who have been unjustly declared sexual predators in the total absence of any evidence against them…..NOT
Seriously, I have no problem with the church supporting his innocence until proven guilty and praying for his forgiveness as long as they consistently apply that same standard to all others outside their church walls and refrain from attacking the name and character of those (alleged) victims who bravely came forward to bring their case into the public eye.
Sue – I see your point, and I agree – he is innocent until proven guilty.
That said, it will be interesting to see how the “church” reacts IF he is found guilty.
Most judges would have cleared the courtroom. These people showed no respect or honor for the decorum of the court or the seriousness of the issues for both victims and defendant. That judge should be voted out for permitting a mockery of the process and the further devistation and pain to the victims. He should have controlled the cattle. Let them cough up the legal fees for the guy and give a different answer when it is their 20 year old daughter that he sexually assaults. Surely, he doesn’t ask what the woman’s church affiliation is before he attacks?!
Lighting candles this evening and burning sage for these women..I too..wish I could be in town..as this plays out.
What a sorry reputation this church group is giving to real Christians. They apparently believe in Churchianity, not Christianity.
This is really a sad story..Iv’e seen this happen all to often..My Heart goes out to the victims..
They wil be portrayed as the liars… And drug thru the mud..
While mr. LE wears it like a badge…(no pun intended)
can they get another judge??
@jwa 13—-Is the church that is showing support in this case the one run by Prevo? I think Prevo has turned his church into the Church of Jerry Prevo; he makes all Christians look bad in the eyes of non-believers, and I do not like what he does. re: the gay and lesbian controversy: Were the gays and lesbians arrested for being deviant? I didn’t think it was illegal to be gay/lesbian anymore; is Alaska different?
@Lori #14 – Yes, I would hope that IF he is found guilty, his friends would discontinue their public support. Privately, if they are Christians, they should continue to pray for him; he would need to repent and ask God’s forgiveness and then live his life accordingly.
Angels must weep as they watch the extremists of so-called “God’s Children” exhibit such hate as has been so prevalent lately.
WOW, this is just completely unbelievable. How truly sad.
I’m appalled by the actions of the judge most of all. He should have better control of his courtroom. Yes, the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty, but the victims should also be treated with respect and care. Please keep us up to date as this case makes its way through the system. thanks, AKM.
I can’t remember the details, but a woman soldier flew home for this from the middle east. Testified against him. She was a daughter or stepchild? He had taken and kept indecent pictures on is computer. It was on one of the local APRN shows, can’t find a link.
So very sad and seems to be happening more and more that churches are protecting their own, no matter what. Look at how those pastors in CA and AZ have prayed for Obama’s death, yet their church members continue to support them. Someone on here used the term cult – there is no other explanation for it.
Slightly O/T – 500,000 to boycott Pepsi over its ‘homosexual advocacy’
http://rawstory.com/2009/10/500000-boycott-pepsi/
Because Pepsi is fighting discrimination, they are being hounded by religious-right.
Even if these people showed up in good faith to support this guy, they should pay proper respect to the victims of this crime, and at least treat it like something serious instead of a “social event.” That is insensitive and un-Christian regardless of the guilt or innocence of the accused. Private support is one thing, this kind of public outpouring is inappropriate imho.
And if six women have come forward to accuse him, how many more are there who are just afraid and unwilling to put themselves through this? History tells us it’s a lot. I hope people turn out to be present for these women next time so they don’t feel outnumbered.
OMG! Is there such an entity?
Sue–Yes, the Anchorage Baptist Temple is the Church of Jerry Prevo.
Empish–here’s an article from the ADN: http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/crime/story/948523.html
JWA 13, well-said. I agree with you completely. What a bunch of frickin’ hypocrites. By being so demonstrably supportive of the perp, the church members are essentially calling the victims liars. They could reserve opinion until the trial is over and pray for their church member AND the victims. That is what real Christians would do. And they would pray that God would reveal the truth in the courtroom.
But, Sue, what this church has done is already had their own trial in their minds and found their church member innocent and the “victims” guilty of lying.
Oh, whoops, Empish, that’s a story about ANOTHER ex-cop accused.
It’s too bad crimes againstt woman and children are still taken so lightly in the US. As a rape victim (25 yrs ago, a violent rape leaving me in the hospital for nine day recovering) and as a sexual violence hotline counselor and a medically fragile foster mother I can assure everyone that any crimes against woman and children are taken lightly across the US of A.
What I meant was, that was the story you were prob. thinking of, but it’s another cop (though ex in that case) accussed of similar stuff.
To the accusers of this man, hang in there. I can’t imagine how difficult and insane this must be for you. There are many people wishing you the best and praying for you.
Yes, this man is innocent until proven guilty. Yes, his friends may offer him emotional support him. But, they showed no respect for due process, and the judge failed to do his job and control the court.
I hope everyone gets the trial they deserve. I hope the victims get a chance to be heard.
@luckycharms #26
“And if six women have come forward to accuse him, how many more are there who are just afraid and unwilling to put themselves through this? History tells us it’s a lot. I hope people turn out to be present for these women next time so they don’t feel outnumbered.”
________________________________________________________
You have that one right. I’m sure there are many more victims out there that for reasons of their own will never tell anyone. I’d also be willing to bet that “church” has a few rape victims in it too.
I hope someone will share this blog’s responses with them so they known they aren’t alone.
I did a google search of Officer Anthony Rollins and learned that the FBI is involved in the investigation/charges. That makes me feel better – the more “the Feds” get involved, the more hope I have that justice can prevail.
My first thought on this – I wonder which church the judge attends or once attended.
Also, I wonder how the Anchorage police officers feel about this.
With the ABT in support, I wonder if that group will be paying the bail assuming the officer doesn’t have $10,000 hanging around.
Spokesman for the APD said the alleged action was “aberrant and detestable.” “I’m personally proud to wear this uniform,” an obviously angry Heun said, pinching his dark-blue, department-issue tie. “I’m appalled that this officer might have dishonored it.”
The bail was $100,000. One more zero. AKM
@32 in juneau—Yes, I know that ABT is Prevo’s church. AKM’s article said “a local Baptist church,” and I wondered if it was ABT or if Rollins attended a different Baptist church. I am trying to figure out if the people in the courtroom were ABT members. Thanks.
It was a different Baptist church. AKM
Sue–apologies; I read it too quickly and just assumed they were from the ABT!
#26 Physicsmom..I agree with you. The judge should have exercised better control over the proceedings and his courtroom. Also, I cannot believe a man accused of 10 counts of raps was given only a $100,000 bail. Glad the judge recognizes how important it is for this man to attend church, ball games, go out to eat, to the movies, or any dang thing else he wants.
#31CR46..You are right about crimes against women and children not being taken as seriously as they should be. I also am a victim of rape. You do get past it, but you never get over it. To this day, whenever I talk about it, my voice starts to shake and even know while typing this, my hands are trembling. Bless you, CR…
Sue–well, there you have it; not the ABT, but equally non-x’tian, as it were.
Seems like the Baptists have no problem with sex, even forced sex, as long as it’s not homosexual or the victim isn’t underage.
Bet they’re lining up to buy that new conservative capitalist Bible. The one that will undoubtedly reduce women to chattel.
These people aren’t Christians. They’re Paulians.
Dan Sullivan encouraged this kind of behavior by the churches when he denied the GLBT Community their civil rights earlier in the year.
You will see more of this behavior, and the Christers will become immune from your local laws.
Welcome to Utah.
Thanks for the clarification, AKM. The only experience I have had with sexual crimes against women was when I was teaching. I knew of a half dozen cases where male teachers were accused, assumed guilty, and treated as such. After the accusing girls were questioned and the police had investigated, the girls admitted lying, but the men were still tainted by the accusations. Because of this, I always assume there is no guilt until the trial or hearing is held; I hope that this is the reason why Rollin’s church friends were there to support him.
clarification—The girls accused the male teachers of sexual harrassment, not rape.
tantef @ #10 – in answer to your question: Yes, he has been suspended.
He has a public defender, despite this (from adn):
“Public records show Rollins was paid $142,892 by the Anchorage police department in 2008; and up until his mid-July arrest, the department paid Rollins $78,688. His wife, police Sgt. Denise Rollins, also made good money.”
http://www.adn.com/209/story/907318.html
I find myself so proud to be a regular reader of this blog, not only because of the issues that mudflats brings forth for us to learn about, but also because of the high level of discourse amongst those who leave comments. Perhaps the civility is due to editing or perhaps it is because this blog speaks to our nobler instincts and resonates with our better selves or perhaps a combination of both. Mudflatters are an astonishingly humane and thoughtful group of people.
I agree with so many of the comments here: the judge failed to enforce proper decorum, the judge needed to explain why the bail was set so low given the number and variety of allegations, and the judge should never have added the comment about how he understood the importance of the officer “attending church on Sundays.”
Perhaps someone needs to file ethics charges against the judge. It sounds as if he is already predisposed to favor the defendant. Regardless of the presumption of innocence, the judge is not to appear sympathetic to either side. A judge’s duty is to remain neutral.
Is the judge a member of that Baptist church? Would be interesting to know.
Didn’t the police department issue any statement regarding the officer’s work status? Normally, the officer would be put on unpaid or paid administrative leave until the matter is adjudicated.
Did the judge do or say anything on behalf of the alleged victims in response to the crowd’s wild bias? At least some accommodation was made to seat the alleged victims and their families this time, but why was that not done at the first hearing?
We in the lower 48 have heard that Alaska has a higher percentage of sexual assault crimes than many other states? Is that true? We heard it in connection with Sarah’s denial of rape kit funding. If it is true, or if the percentage is high, how can those so-called Christians automatically rise to support someone without knowing any facts? Not everyone of them can truly know that officer personally in any depth. They are going beyond presumption of innocence, they are presuming the victims are guilty of lying.
BTW, I loved the “churchianity” term. What a keeper that is because it succinctly describes what is wrong with American Christianity in so many communities (usually in the ultra-tiny congregations such as Fred Phelps’ family cult here in Kansas or in mega-churches where huge numbers grant anonymity and creates mob mentalities).
My prayers go to the alleged victims and their families as well to the misguided church members because in their zeal to be supportive of a fellow congregant, they are harming others and themselves. The comment about private versus public support was spot-on. Until the facts are adjudicated, the church members should contact the officer in private. As it stands now, I am rooting for the public embarrassment of those church members if they are capable of admitting mistakes should the allegations prove true and there is a high probability that they will be.
Prosecutors are usually reluctant to proceed on cases such as these unless they feel there is a high probability that the evidence will support their accusations. That there are so many counts in the charges speaks to the strength of the their research.
May the community come out to lend silent support to the alleged victims, because, they too deserve a presumption: that they are telling the truth. It is up to the state to prove its case, but until they fail to do so, the victims should be regarded with, at a minimum a suspension of disbelief. That so many have come forth with charges that are so difficult to be identified with, speaks more to their courage. They could be trying to frame the guy, sure, but more likely than not they are standing firm and enduring public scrutiny because they’ve endured far worse. Victims of sexual abuse either retreat inward or they discover an inner strength based on the need to survive.
I hope Anchorage can overcome the shameful misguided behavior of the Baptist Church there and can overcome a local legal system and political administration that seems either incompetent or indifferent to human suffering.
I’ll try to answer some of your questions. The officer has been on unpaid leave since the indictment in July. I don’t know that anyone was aware that the victims were there and did not have seats the first time. Alaska is #1 in the country for sexual assault. I do not know about the behavior of those in attendance during the trial. The description was given to me as an overall impression of the mood when people were talking. I don’t believe the courtroom during the hearing was unruly in any way. Hope that helps. AKM
I agree that the judge should have had tighter control over his courtroom, removing those who were not respectful of the judicial process or did not behave with dignity toward the victims and judicial process as well.
The judge needs better judgement.
Don’t those people work? Do they all work for employers at their church who will let them off with pay to fill the courtroom? Or did they call in sick? Or were they there legitimately because they’re unemployed, independently wealthy or have discretionary days? It amazes me how often wingnuts seem to have all this free time to trot around making other miserable during the week.
There is mercy and forgiveness spoken of in the Bible, but God also has a very strong condition for that: genuine repentance. Forgiveness also does not exclude a price from being paid for wrong actions.
And Jesus Wept.
That is disgusting and appalling. I mean no disrespect to any Mudflatters (just in case this is taken wrong), but I wish people would learn that going to church does not automatically make you a good person. Parroting beliefs blindly does not make you a good person either; it’s how you interpret and act on your beliefs that determine that.
I have been researching Judge Philip Volland (the judge on this case) and he is NOT at all soft on crime.
Forgot to add: I was watching Bones last week, and the storyline involved the Amish, one of whom said (paraphrased) that the biggest sin we can commit is pretending to know what God has planned and speaking for him. That really hit home with me, because regardless of how I feel about religion, situations like the ordinance hearings seem to fit that perfectly.
or, if you want to write a letter on behalf of the victims and their treatment in the courtroom: [snipped]
Just want to make it clear that I don’t believe anyone was unruly during the proceedings. My understanding is that after finding out about the first time when the victims were unable to find a seat, that the situation was corrected. The mood described to me was during the time when people were talking, not during the actual hearing. Sorry if there was any confusion. AKM
Actually it is quite common for pedophiles to hide their acts within a church. Then the church members declare that they know this person and they can’t possibly be a child molester. The next step is to go after the victim. If you aren’t a good looking 9 year old boy, then naturally the molester isn’t interested. But don’t let logic get in the way of folie.
It’s all part of grooming. I guess it works well for a rapist. This just shows what gullible fools the church and it’s members are. The leadership is without morals or guilty of similar acts.
The judge is an idiot.
E in New England so right you are. #50 I have been trying to get that across to people who think because the attend church they are christians Take Ensign and the Appalachian trail guy.Their I am so much better than any one else I am a faithful christian!!! When it suits my purpose is what they should say and after watching what on in Anchorage this past year their are a bunch of fake christians up there. But as always I think it is every where today.When 6 different people come forward with basically the same story there is fire there and if the police department thought there was nothing to it he would not have been put on leave without pay.Reading some comments on ADN It seems like some people think police officers should not be well paid.I would not do their job for any amount of money..Because My sister lived up there I know the cost 0f living is very high so maybe that is what caused some to question the pay maybe from out of state or they forget overtime and yes shift differential.
I don’t understand how a church could make such an event into a social gathering. Support is one thing, but there is something to be said for discretion and respect for the setting. Hopefully in the future, they will have a small group of people there who have a better sense of decorum.
AKM’s description of this event sounds absolutely dreadful.
Let me get this straight:
1. There are multiple victims, a pattern established.
2. The judge lets the rapist go free because it’s important for the rapist to go to “church”? How biased a Churchian does a judge have to be to suggest that even though “going to church” didn’t stop the rapist before he was caught it will now?
3. There are no suddenly no “churchian” services in jail? Pull the other leg.
Perhaps we should send the judge and the church some info on BTK aka Dennis Rader. He was a lovely church deacon wasn’t he?
Seems fitting to say again….. that “God” is looking at what’s going on and saying “This is NOT what I had in mind”.
What stands out to me , which everybody seems to have already pointed out about the Judge, is that he is handling the case very poorly up till now.
He doesn’t seem to have control of his Courtroom. Or is very unaware of what is going all around him. Not a good trait for a Judge.
The amount of his bail is mentioned. Is guess that is why he is free.
What stood out immediately to me was the Judge comment.. ” the judge that he understood how important it was that he attend church on Sundays.” WTH!
If THIS was the MOST important factor ( in the Judges Mind ) he could be in jail and be allowed something like a weekend pass to get him out JUST TO attend his Church. Or is that just too much ‘ common sense ‘. I don’t think the Judge has too much of it… or at least he doesn’t apply it.
He is under house arrest the rest of the time. AKM
This is horrendous! The trial needs a change of venue, far away from the “church” people. My guess is that these people participate in parties where they leave their keys in a basket…..then go home with the person whose keys are picked by the women. Righteous wife-swapping parties, and they call themselves Christians? I’ve always been skeptical of anyone who professes to be a Christian, yet leads a different kind of life. HYPOCRITES!
Is there some way to send notes to the victims, or someone to let them know
personally about the reactions of the people on this blog? It must be so
frightening for them now. And it does not sound as though there can be any
security about the way the trials will be handled, or the mob mentality even
if the accused is found guilty.
I believe that no matter what amount the judge sets bail, the accused only has to come up with 10% of that amount. So for 100,000, the amount the officer would have to pay would be 10,000. I think.
Reading about the mayhem in the courtroom, I was reminded of the circus in the OJ trial.
Can any legal eagle pups clarify how that works?
My poor proofreading, sorry – Can any legal types clarify how the *bail* system works? – is what I was trying to say.
63 Nan said- ‘So for 100,000, the amount the officer would have to pay would be 10,000. I think.’
———————
Unless the judge says otherwise the defendant may contract with a bailbond provider and that usually means the defendant only forks out 10% of the total …
To InterestedPerson @#62:
As far as getting words of support to the victims, all are referred to as “Jane Doe’s” for obvious reasons. But if you contact STAR, they might forward your messages.
Anchorage Police Dept. began investigating Rollins on April 16th, after someone from Standing Together Against Rape (STAR) called the department’s Special Victims Unit with a report that Rollins had sexually assaulted a woman while he was on duty.
STAR – Standing Together Against Rape
1057 W Fireweed Ln # 230
Anchorage, AK 99503-1760
(907) 276-7279
He probably used his home as bail if he had enough equity. That is common. Or someone else (parent?) used theirs.
Reminds me of the first “Court TV” case I followed. Martha Coakley was up against a priest accused of molesting boys. A witness to the alleged crime was a fellow priest……and all these people from his parish came into the courtroom and “supported” the pedophile, all saying what a great guy he is, how he could NEVER have done such a thing, how it was the OTHER priest who was unfriendly and lying (but was actually the hero in the story because he saw something not right and called the police on this man)….how their priest was so caring and Christ-like…..and on and on…….I was sick watching those supporters because I was WATCHING THE TRIAL……..(and already knew back then the profile of a pedophile priest and the grooming they do, and how they seem to be so caring and friendly….how they invite boys up to the rectory, and the trusting parents let them…… because it happened in my own parish growing up)
Yeah, the accused in the case I watched was found “not guilty”. Of course he was!! I was so horrified. How could they be so blind?!?
This police officer will be hard-pressed to explain how six independent women all say he committed the same crime against each of them. It’s a power thing with these men; they know they can do it, they have the added power of the uniform, and they know the police will give them beyond the benefit of the doubt. He will no doubt say that each of these women are lying, or they all got together to make things up against him, or they all had consensual sex with him. This awful pattern of abuse of power must be ended, especially up there in Alaska, where abuse of women is rampant.
Thanks, AKM, for the info.
I remember when a local preacher’s son was charged with murder in a horrendous crime so disturbing, I don’t want to describe the details. At all the hearings, the church folks filled the courthouse, and they were loud in the halls, the man was innocent they insisted! Then at trial when the evidence was presented, all those folks quietly went on back home, without a peep. I don’t think they even showed up for the sentencing.
My prayers are with the six victims.
We don’t want to ‘ insult ‘ the Judges intelligence ( or common sense )here But……the Judge apparently thinks this same Church’s role is so vital to his this man’s rehabilitation or well being. ( whatever this Judges idea/plan is )
THE Church can’t be having ( and HASN’T had ) that much of a Positive effect on him if he was attending Their Church and he still committed these crimes.
Sorry Judge….for pointing out the OBVIOUS. They are delivering the wrong kind of message there or He is simply NOT listening.
That guy reminds me of the movie “The Bad Lieutenant”…forgot the actor’s name Harvey something or other, I think.
What courage these women victims have in coming forward! First, once the trial is concluded, they probably couldn’t cross the street w/o his cop friends giving them trouble. 2nd, all the creeps in that cult (AKN “church”) will probably give trouble whenever they encounter them (such as, trying to rent an apt, walking next to them on a sidewalk, Anchorage is not that big of a town).
Aside from the Judge’s snippy remark about the alleged perp needing to attend church on Sundays, he truly allowed his courtroom to don the Circus atmosphere! This is not looking hopeful, I’m afraid, too much wonky justice in Alaska.
If he’s found ‘not guilty’ most likely the APD will have to reinstate him, then wait for his next victims to happen.
This was very painful to read. While it is true that a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty, I have no sympathy for this sort of courtroom charade, intended to inflict additional stress upon the women reporting the crimes. The court-packers know it; the defendant knows it; the judge knows it; and certainly, the victims know it. After all, this is not just the defendant’s family and a few close friends accompanying him to court; this sounded like a phalanx. I hope the women stay strong throughout this ordeal.
Want to bet which church the judge belongs to? This is beyond sickening and yet we see it over & over. Even the women believe the victims must have asked for it because a member of the blessed mega church wouldn’t have done this on his own. One of their idols, Phyllis Schaffley (SP?) once said that “Sexual harrassement doesn’t happen to virtueose women.” Guess the same applies to those who are raped.
Many years ago I went on a coffee date with a guy who claimed he was spiritual, not religious. We hadn’t even been served when he started quoting bible verses to illustrate how worthless women are and how man is dominant in all things. I sat silently (couldn’t get a word in anyway) until he started in on Adam & Eve & the apple and how sin was all her fault. At this point I stopped him with a question. “Do you believe in personal responsibility?” “Huh?” sez he. “How, sez I, did she MAKE him eat the apple?” “HUH?” he sez with mouth hanging open. “Tell me, did she overpower him and shove the apple down his throat? Why was it that this dominant, righteous, physically superior man wasn’t able to keep his mouth shut and avoid eating the apple?” He completely shut down, crumpled visibly, and that was it. I left, leaving him sitting staring into his coffee cup. Went home & took a shower. LOL!
@aussie: The judge let him out on bond of $100,000. I’d have preferred $250K, because of the multiple charges, but we do usually let people make bail except in exceptional murder cases. As Nan mentioned, he probably only had to come up with $10K, and the rest was covered by a bail bond company.
Even though it certainly appears that he is a scum-sucking pig, we do have this concept of innocent until proven guilty, as opposed to the Napoleonic “guilty if not proven innocent”. So, right now, obnoxious as it may seem, he is innocent. That’s the main reason we have the concept of bail, to avoid imprisoning an innocent person while still ensuring that the accused will show up to be tried. I doubt very much that he will skip. He’s a cop, and he must know that being on the run from bail-bond enforcers is about the worst thing in the world.
Back on the main topic — and this is sort of directed at Sue — while the idea that friends might attend the hearings of a friend who was accused of a crime is perfectly reasonable, very few people have hundreds of genuine friends (not acquaintances). One might examine the average attendance of non-participants at bail hearings in Anchorage. I’m guessing half a dozen.
I doubt that the big turnout of support happened without some organizing, and I’m personally certain that many of the attendees only know the defendant slightly. This would help to explain the “social” ambiance — the attendees knew each other much better than they knew the man they were there to “support”.
As several people have mentioned, the Judge lost control of his courtroom. One hopes that this was just because of the surprise factor. It appears that he had a little better grip on things for the second hearing.
Jury selection is closed (at least in Cali). At trial, I certainly hope that the judge doesn’t allow SRO attendees.
I’m hugely impressed with the courage of the victims.
On Bail: A judge can determine $100K Cash or $100K Cash Surety. If Surety, the general rule is that 10% of the amount must be given to the court in negotiable funds (cash, lien on a house’s equity, etc.). The rest is more or less a “promise” that the full amount will be paid in a failure to appear situation.
Many will go to a bondsman to put up the 10%, but not without some sort of guarantee of assets to cover it should the defendant not appear. If all appearances are made, the 10% (or 100%, if a cash bond) is returned to the defendant, who then gives it back to whomever put it up.
If there is a failure to appear, a warrant is issued, the 10 or 100% is forfeited and bond is usually revoked, forcing the defendant to sit in jail while awaiting trial. The “theory” is that significant cash loss is enough to force a person to appear as directed. But if the defendant has ample resources, it’s not much of a deterrent to start a new life in Bali sometime before sentencing.
Let’s say a guy has $100K in equity and savings. He puts up 10% of that and still has $90K of liquidity to run off and start a new life. The $10K loss is nothing to the guy, now that he’s sipping margaritas under a palm tree while looking at the Classifieds for huts to purchase in Indonesia.
The surrender of Passports and a Big Stinky Red Flag on the name to prevent a replacement Passport being obtained would be a good start to prevent such a thing. That said, high profile defendants (OJ, for example) wouldn’t be able to get anywhere near an airport or Port of Exit from the U.S., so one could reasonably assume that the public would keep them in the country.
In Michigan, at least, no bond is allowed for murder charges. Accused murderers wait for trial in jail, period. It should be the same for rape.
These victims are certainly a sturdy bunch. I hope that they connect with each other for support and an understanding that only THEY can realize, having the common experience with the same thug. Sure, they have their independent families and friends, but to connect with similarly situated victims could be extraordinarily therapeutic for them. I hope that true justice shines through in this case, whether the defendant is guilty or innocent.
And, BTW: All prisons and jails allow Bibles and most have a plethora of denominations that conduct weekly services (many conducted from outside clergy). This guy did NOT have to be released based on that criteria.
Jails and prisons are FULL of “innocent” inmates that are thumping Bibles all over the place. The opportunity to worship is not void while in custody. A TRUE X-tian wouldn’t need a specific building to go to in order to practice his/her faith.
i can see actual close friends of both the accused and the SIX victims attending. but who has that many “close” friends? and you’d have to be to stand up for someone’s integrity. how sad that so many, who are likely NOT close friends of the accused, think it their place to attend. sounds like a bully tactic to me. that’s what mobs do – they bully people. and mobs driven by religous fanaticism are the worst.
i wonder how sue would feel if one of her close friends was raped? and five others joined her in charging the same rapist. would she champion the accused so strongly? btw, no one here indicated that he shouldn’t have his fair day in court. the issue is that numerous people from his church are making a show of force in the courtroom. big difference.
personally, i don’t think these church mobs understand what they are protesting. the are told to go and they go. most decent people think, wow, six women. i think i’ll stay home and wait for the evidence.
@78 txindygirl -
I think the nasty show allowed , of bussed -in out-of-town churchers, by the Anchorage Assembly during debate over the proposed equal rights ordinance and the packing of a courtroom by churchers, allowed by a judge for a bail hearing, are worrisome indicators of unacceptable social pressure by groups on the edge of being mobs .
I think you are correct that “…these church mobs (don’t) understand what they are protesting…” OR attesting…
I think our public officials, be they Assembly members , judges, or whatever, must be called to account for bowing to peculiar notions of freedom of speech and so on.
The ideas behind our notions of rights and responsibilities need constant nurturing to keep on track with trying to make practical application meet ideal expectations…
All our notions about such things have taken a huge hit in the last however many years that churchers have been working so hard to put themselves in the forefront…
Fox’ stupid “fair and balanced” being the 1st example which comes to mind…
One of the saddest things about this bail hearing story , to me, is that while it is a venue for folks to turn out to show the accused has ties to the community, etc. is that the victims had to be there at all.
Why was the prosecutor’s rundown of the proposed case not enough, at this point?
Ha! The judge let him out on bail so he could go to church? A lot of good really came from him being in church! They have worship services in jail, don’t they? This stinks!
Anchorage police officer Anthony Rollins stands accused.
—-
Why are there no charges of false imprisonment of the victims in addition to the rape charges against Rollins? If he is a police office that abused his position and held these women captive against their will, then he should be charged with that as well.
A police office has a special standing of authority. Abuse of that authority is unconscionable. I hope his victims get justice.
My guess is that many (and probably not all) in Mr. Rollins’ church simply can’t believe that “one of theirs” is capable of such behavior. If he is convicted, you will see the number of his supporters dwindle dramatically. He will be “shunned” by the congregation. No, it’s not much, but it will happen.
Horrible. Horrible. Horrible.
Kat
That was absolutely THE best answer I’ve ever seen for that (very silly) “morality” thing. Thanks for the wonderful start to my day
“…how was it that this dominant, righteous, physically superior man wasn’t able to keep his mouth shut and avoid eating the apple?”
Freakin’ awesome
Nan
Outrageous. Hypocritical. Church before Court. “Christian” benefits from judge’s prejudice toward church-goers.
Six very brave women have independently identified Rollins as their sexual offender/rapist. At the bail hearing Rollins had the overwhelming support of his church and most likely some who were bused in for the courtroom circus.
It is one thing to show support for the alleged serial sexual predator until the verdict comes in, but it is most definitely another thing to ignore and deny the allegations of six women who independently claim Rollins was their rapist.
The judge, who should be removed from this case with prejudice, has clearly aligned himself with the churchy thing. This judge (JINO) comforts Rollins by saying that he “understood how important it was that he attend church on Sundays“;. What a godly man. What a godly defendant. Hallelujah. Can you give me an Amen?
So I guess the message is to feel free to do whatever you want as long as you go to church on Sundays. Aww. That is so sweet you li’l ol’ court curmudgeon you.
The worst thing that could have happened is if fellow officers were there to support him.
espresso4me:
“Can you give me an Amen?”
AMEN!
Alaska has had a long history of religious based sexual abuse.
With comments like that from a sitting judge, it sure makes it obvious to me why Alaska is one of the capitals for domestic abuse in the entire country!
Health care for my heart would be just to take care of the victims of domestic violence(including the women and children in this church if applicable) throughout Alaska. Right now, our prisoners are receiving all of the health benefits for their actions.
And, if this man is guilty, he’s going to need more than the church to cover his behind. Just sayin.
I have to say when I read this I got ill—really. I’ve been appalled at all the virulent hate, homophobia, racism, and sexism that has manifested itself in this country as of late. But what amazes me (okay–no it doesn’t) is that these nutty conservative church people would truly support an accused serial rapist as long as he was a member of their church. Of course the same people would stone a nice gay couple who wanted to worship with them.
And they’d probably stone Jesus too—call him a commie, fascist, hippie, terrorist and not allow him in their church because he wanted to help sick people and didn’t wear shoes.
May these women receive justice. The judge needs to retire. And the Baptist church needs to volunteer at a rape crisis center.
Please keep in mind that it is not un-common to file false charges against “authority figures” such as police officers, preachers and teachers. Obviously someone is not telling the truth, and hopefully the facts will come out at trial, one way or the other and justice will be served. In the mean time, if the accused has loyal friends, and they happen to be from his church (or social club, or lodge, or favorite bar…) what difference does it make? Even though our system does not really treat people as “innocent until proven guilty,” there is no harm in us trying to live up to that concept.
I have lived through such courtroom behavior when I was a child advocate. Even in cases of murder. Always seemed to be the same denomination.
More appalling bahavior from the Baptist church. Imagine that…
What can we expect when authoritarian types start illegal wars that kill millions and are still out there on the street…when lies and deceit pass for normal behavior, and rapists are allowed freedom…It is very hard for me to look a child in the face and know that their world is being shaped by cover-ups, misinformation, moral and ethical deceit, all with the apparent blessings of the church and the government…we live in very sick times.
Not only that E, many hide their evil wrong doings behind the church. He/she faithfully attends church, only to find out their fellow parishioner’s dirty deeds later. Happens all the time. My Episcopalian pastor and very close family friend had an affair with his secretary, divorced his wife, was defrocked and married the sec. Gah, tore the church, family and friendships apart.
Wow, I didn’t know police officers made that kind of money!
I hope his DNA is checked against the national rape kit registry. Can they do that once a person has been arrested and charged for rape? It might be a good time to check see if the rape kits have been processed or are sitting on shelves getting dusty like in CA. And is there a way to find out if any have gone missing?
Also, too, isn’t there a room capacity limit? Seems rather unsafe if it was jam packed to overflowing.
My heart goes out to the victims. They indeed are brave and deserve justice. They are doing the right thing by coming forward.
I think we need to be careful about assuming that the people who showed up to support Officer Rollins “didn’t know what they were protesting/supporting.” I think they knew very well what they were doing when they showed up for his hearing.
I have met Officer Rollins and I was shocked to hear what he has been accused of, like everyone else. We need to be careful not to convict him before he has had a trial. I admit, it’s not looking good for him- the numbers of accusers is very telling.
The folks who came to that hearing believe in his innocence because they believe in the man. They now him as the man who came to church, who was friends with them and their families, and who protected them in the community. Until now, he has been an upstanding citizen who just recently was given an award for pulling several people out of a burning building.
That said, I agree that we need to let the evidence tell the tale and decide at that point.
Michelle Obama said there are something like 14 states in our country where women who have a medical record of assault and battery can be denied insurance coverage.
That’s the type of crap women and children are facing.
Thanks Nan!
I imagine it’s hard to hear a horrendous accusation (rape) against someone you respect and believe you know. Whether the officer is guilty or not, is up to our court system and the officer needs to be held like any other accused. The people who show up to support him should have some empathy (as christians) towards the accusers and sit quietly and watch. This is a horrible case with 6 victims, one accused, and a court system that needs to find the truth.
As for blaming the church or christianity, the church is a place of worship where people can go to strengthen their ties with God. I have mixed feelings about ‘going to church’ considering the damage its caused in my village over the years, however I have seen many great things also. My mother said, ‘just because someone goes to church doesn’t make them a christian’.
I feel ill listening to how some people treat anyone ‘outside’ their church and how judgmental they can be, yet, when living in Hawaii, I’ve been invited to a church where people greet me with a smile, handshake and say ‘welcome’. I’ve rode buses with people from that church who would turn and strike up a conversation with a stranger and invite them to Sunday service or attend a social event. They talked to people living on the streets, wearing suits, it didn’t matter. THEY were friendly, insightful and warm hearted. Everything I understood a church to be. Unfortunately, most aren’t the same and we have to deal with that.
This is a sensitive issue and needs to be handled correctly for all involved. The people who show up for support (on both sides) need to act responsibly, dignified and with empathy.
Lori in LA @67: Thank you for the STAR address.
Some of the outrage that we feel could include some donations to that
group, as well as notes to the women who are standing up to the accused and
taking the brunt of the public scene. The people who help the victims
also need our energy or good thoughts. Dealing with the abuse and trauma
of others day after day takes its toll.
I still want to know why the victims were at bail hearings?