How Could You? Hall of Shame-Jane and Joshua Howard UPDATED

This will be an archive of heinous actions by those involved in child welfare, foster care and adoption. We forewarn you that these are deeply disturbing stories that may involve sex abuse, murder, kidnapping and other horrendous actions.

From Eau Claire, Wisconsin, foster mother Jane Howard and her 21-year-old son Joshua Howard are accused of sexually assaulting boys in the care of Jane.

The Eau Clair Leader-Telegram reports “Joshua B. Howard, 21, had sexual contact with four boys while Jane M. Howard, 48, had sexual contact with one boy, authorities say.”

WQOW reports “The boys ranged in age from seven to 12 years old. Some say he would deny them access to video games unless they complied. And one of the boys told detectives the assaults, “Ruined his life.” He also says his foster father witnessed the activity but did nothing about it.

Police say Joshua Howard admitted to sexual activity with one of the boys when Howard was 14 or 15, but denied assaulting the others.”

The Eau Clair Leader-Telegram reports “Joshua Howard faces three felony counts of repeated sexual assault of a child and one felony count of first-degree sexual assault of a child.

Jane Howard faces two counts of first-degree sexual assault of a child.

According to the criminal complaint:
The sexual contact occurred between 2002 and 2008.

Two of the boys were 7 years old when the sexual contact began. The other two boys were 10 and 12 when the contact started.

One of the 7-year-old boys said both Joshua and Jane Howard had sexual contact with him.”

“Joshua Howard’s father told authorities he thought this was nothing more than “boys will be boys” type of activity.

The boy who was sexually assaulted by Jane Howard said she threatened to kill him if he told anybody about the incident. ”

Joshua faces 145 years in prison if convicted of all charges. Jane faces 80 years in prison if convicted of all charges.
Local mother, son accused of sexually assaulting foster children
[WQOW 9/2/11 by Keith Edwards]

Foster mother, son accused of assaulting boys at Eau Claire County home
[Eau Claire Leader-Telegram 9/2/11 by Dan Holtz]

Why is the foster father not charged?

Update/February 27, 2012:

A search of Wisconsin court records found that Jane’s case is Eau Claire County Case Number 2011CF000585

She still faces 2 felony B counts of 1st Degree Child Sex Assault – Sexual Contact with Person under Age of 13.

Her status conference is on 3/26/12 and her jury trial is scheduled for 4/3/12 and 4/4/12

Joshua’s case number is Eau Claire County Case Number 2011CF000586 and he is still charged wtih three felony B counts and 1 felony C count of sexual assault on a child. No other information is listed in his case. Status is Open.

Update 2/June 23, 2012

Another search of Wisconsin court records shows that Jane Howard has a status conference on 6/19/12. Her 2-day trial is set to begin 7/11/12.

Joshua has a status conference on 7/25/12. His 2-day trial is set to begin 8/21/12.

REFORM Puzzle Piece

Update 3: “Sexual assault charges against a foster mother accused of having sexual contact with children placed in her care have been dismissed, but a similar criminal case against her son will continue.

Eau Claire County Assistant District Attorney Meri Larson asked Judge Paul Lenz Friday to dismiss two felony counts of first-degree sexual assault of a child against Jane M. Howard, 48, 9400 Olson Drive.

Sexual assault charges against foster mother dismissed by judge

[Leader Telegram 6/30/12 by Dan Holtz]

Update 4: “An Eau Claire man will be sentenced next week for having sexual contact with foster children placed in his mother’s care.

Joshua B. Howard, 22, 1913 Seventh St., pleaded guilty Wednesday in Eau Claire County Court to four felony counts of third-degree sexual assault.

District Attorney Brian Wright and defense attorney Erika Bahnson of Eau Claire have reached a joint sentencing recommendation that seeks five years of probation for Howard. [He ADMITTED sexual contact with a 7 year old boy and PROBATION is recommended? What the bleep?]

Judge Jon Theisen is not bound by terms of the recommendation and could sentence Howard to up to 20 years in prison.

Wright said some of the victims do not agree with the sentencing recommendation, which calls for one year in jail — six months of which could be waived if Howard is successful with probation.

Recommended conditions of Howard’s probation include registration as a sex offender, a psychological assessment, any other counseling sought by his probation agent, and restitution for counseling or psychological services for the four victims, Wright said.

Theisen is scheduled to sentence Howard at 9 a.m. Wednesday.

According to the criminal complaint:

The sexual contact occurred between 2002 and 2008. Two of the boys were 7 years old when the contact began. The other two boys were ages 10 and 12 when it started.

Two of the boys said Howard used access to video or computer games as leverage to get them to participate in sexual activities.

One of the younger boys said the sexual contact ruined his life.

Howard admitted being sexually active with one of the boys but denied any sexual contact with other foster children at the residence.

Howard’s father told authorities he thought this was nothing more than “boys will be boys” type of activity.”

Probation called for in foster child sex abuse case

[Leader Telegram 8/15/12 by Dan Holtz]