How Could You? Hall of Shame-Guatemalan AP Scott Dean 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 Harlem, Georgia, international adoptive parent, former Harlem mayor and Columbia County Commissioner Scott Dean, 42, was on trial this week on “two counts of child molestation. He’s accused of exposing himself to and inappropriately touching his daughter, one of the five he and his wife adopted from Guatemala in 2008.”

PoundPup Legacy has a 2006 article that refers to the Dean’s impending Guatemalan adoption: “”Adoption is certainly infinitely preferable to abortion, and isn’t utilized hardly enough. There are so many young couples who cannot have their own children – or, even if they do, they would love the chance to open their homes to unwanted children. Scott and Renee Dean of Harlem, for example, have two precious boys of their own, but are in the process of adopting five siblings from Guatemala.”

The Columbia County News-Times reports “The incidents allegedly occurred between Sept. 1, 2008 and Oct. 11, 2010, according to an amended indictment issued in September.

The victim said she was 15 at the time of the incidents, but could not narrow down a date. If the alleged acts occurred after her 16th birthday on Sept. 12, 2010, no law was broken.

“Sept. 8 is a crime,” Theodocion [Dean’s attorney] said. “Sept. 13 is not. She couldn’t tell either way.”

Theodocion also called several witness to testify to Dean’s character and trustworthiness. State Rep. Ben Harbin, R-Evans, said Dean has a good reputation as did county Planning Commissioner Bob Newkirk, and two longtime friends and colleagues.

The victim has lived with foster parents since early this year.

Dean was not allowed in the Harlem home he shared with his family after the Department of Family and Children Services removed the adopted children in October 2010.

He is a former member of the Harlem City Council and city Mayor. He was elected as the District 4 county Commissioner in 2008 and was related in November 2010 despite being accused several months earlier of sending inappropriate text messaged to a married county employee.

Dean resigned his commission seat after being indicted in February.”
Testimony ends in Dean molestation trial, jury to resume deliberating Thursday
[The Columbia County News-Times 12/14/11 by Valerie Rowell]

Timeline

Going back to November 2010, Runaway daughter of Columbia County Commissioner Scott Dean found in Mexico [The Columbia County News-Times 11/03/10 by Valerie Rowell] reports, “Marlin “Lilly” Dean, 17, was located in Mexico and is expected to return to her Harlem home next week, Columbia County sheriff’s Capt. Steve Morris said today in an e-mail.

It’s an explosive indictment, and in it the grand jury accuses the former Harlem mayor and county commissioner of trying to have sex with a child.

Dean was indicted on two counts of child molestation. Both counts involve “immoral and indecent acts” meant to “arouse and satisfy the sexual desires” of a child under the age of 16.

Those acts include inappropriately touching the child, exposing himself to the child, and indicating he wanted to have sex with the child. The indictment says the activity happened sometime between September 2008 and October of last year.

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office says Dean is making arrangements to turn himself in by the end of the week.

Out of respect for potential victim(s), News 12 is not releasing names from the indictment.

Speculation around the commissioner has been swirling since October, when Dean’s 17-year-old adopted daughter went missing. She was found in Mexico. She was not named in the indictment.

Investigators told News 12 that four adopted children were taken from the Dean home that same week by Georgia Division of Family and Children Services. The group was later reunited with a family member, but it was not clear why they were taken.

News 12 attempted to reach out to Scott Dean Wednesday afternoon, but our calls were not returned.

In October, Dean lashed out at rumors and said he was focused on having all of his children back home.

“Since that time allegations, insinuations and lies were leaked to the media. These leaks have caused irreparable harm to our family,” he said in an October statement.

“My wife and I are outraged at the total lack of respect for our privacy. These accusations are completely false, and we will be totally vindicated,” he said

Late Wednesday afternoon Dean submitted his letter of resignation to to the other Columbia County Commissioners, all of which accepted it. So far Chairman Ron Cross says the county is not ready to make a statement about the indictment.

In the letter Dean says, “Due to my family and legal issues and to allow for continued representation for the citizens, I am making the design to resign effective immediately. ”

It goes on to say, “I thank the citizens of District 4 for allowing me to serve. I am still confident that I was be vindicated, and I ask the media to please allow my family the privacy that they deserve.”

The Jail Report says “Ex-Commissioner Scott Dean didn’t spend much time in jail today after being charged with two counts of child molestation. He was booked around 5:30 a.m. and then appeared before a judge at 10 a.m. when they set his bond at $50,000. He has since been released.

Wearing jeans and a pink dress shirt with no tie, Dean appeared in court with wife Renee and was ordered to surrender his passport and stay away from anyone younger than 18 other than his sons. The judge also ordered him not to leave the area.

He’s accused of performing immoral and indecent acts with a child under the age of 16. The incidents allegedly occurred between September 1, 2008 and October 1, 2010.

In December, a police investigation of Dean was concluded and the sheriff’s office forwarded their findings to the District Attorney’s office.

In October, four of Dean’s five adopted children were taken from the home of Scott and Renee Dean by DFACS employees. A sheriff’s report said that DFACS had provided a report that the fifth, 17-year-old Lilly Dean, had run away and that “there were text messages alluding to inappropriate behavior in the household.”

The children were eventually allowed to return, but Mr. Dean was required to live somewhere else during the investigation. He lated [sic] said he was granted visitation during the holidays.”

Trial-Tuesday

Adopted Daughter Takes Stand In Day 2 Of Scott Dean Trial   [WJBF 12/13/11 by Cory McGinnis] states, “This is the first time 17-year-old victim detailed some of the improper contact Dean is accused of:

17-year-old victim: “I was in the room, he came in (pause) layed down next to me and started touching me.”

Prosecution: “What part of the body did he touch you?”

Victim: “My legs and my genitals.”

Prosecution: “Was it on your skin or clothes?”

Victim: “My skin.”

Prosecution: “What happened when he came into the room?”

Victim: “He told me he wants to have sex with me. I told him that it wasn’t right.”

The victim stated even others (siblings) were in the same room when he touched her, but no one was awake.

The jury is out as the judge in the Scott Dean trial looks at past cases.

the victim also described a “boyfriend-girlfriend” type hug between Dean and the oldest of the family’s adopted children. Defense lawyers countered by getting the witness to admit to a difficult relationship with Dean’s wife, Renee.

They are also trying to show a pattern of lying.”

“Tuesday, two of former Columbia County Commissioner Scott Dean’s adopted daughters took the stand in his trial, on an emotional day of testimony.

The alleged victim in the case took the stand for the first time.

We won’t show you her testimony, but we can tell you that she testified that dean touched her genitals and told her he wanted to have sex with her, even though she knew that was wrong.

The girl also told prosecutors that her other siblings were in the room when he touched her. Dean’s youngest daughter testified that she pretended to be asleep, but knew Dean was in the room during the alleged crimes.

The jury also heard from a forensic interviewer, Kimberly Lee, who told the jury what the girl told her happened.

Also taking the stand Tuesday was a woman who claims she was assaulted by Dean 27 years ago at a birthday party, when he was a teenager.

Dean’s attorney spent the day trying to prove that the victim in this case has a history of lying.”

The Columbia County News-Times says, “Marlin [the eldest adopted daughter], who ran away to Mexico just days before her younger sister made allegations against Dean in October 2010, testified that she was referring to her real Guatemalan father, not Dean.”

“Dean and Marlin testified that the victim was lying about the allegations.

“Any child molester would make the same claim of their accusers,” Assistant District Attorney Parks White said during closing arguments Wednesday. “This child deserves justice, just like any other citizen.”

Dean’s attorney Pete Theodocion claimed the victim made up the allegations, just after her older sister ran away, to get out of the house. Both girls admit they did not get along with Dean’s wife, Renee. She testified Tuesday that she wanted to go with Marlin and would do anything to get out of the house.

“(The victim) didn’t want to be there. She wanted to be with Marlin,” Theodocion said during his closing arguments Wednesday afternoon. “(The victim) never made any allegations at all until Marlin left. That’s when the motive came to light, to get out.”

Dean denied any inappropriate touching or exposing himself while testifying Tuesday.”

Trial-Wednesday

Jury Sent Home In Scott Dean Trial; Deliberations Will Continue Thursday Morning [WAGT 12/14/11 by Ashley Campbell] says “Marlin Dean has taken the stand in the trial of former Columbia County commissioner Scott Dean. The younger Dean was asked by defense attorneys about her exclusive interview with NBC 26’s Ashley Campbell. Marlin Dean confirms that it was her and that her denial of any sexual abuse claims by Scott Dean were true when she said so in that interview…Marlin Dean has taken the stand and admits being physically and sexually abused in Guatamala.”

“District Attorney Ashley Wright has been called to the stand on the third day of the Scott Dean trial. Dean, a former Columbia County commissioner, faces child molestation charges. The DA will be asked about a claim made by Dean’s oldest adopted daughter Marlin. Marlin told the court that Wright called her a “liar”. On the stand, Wright denied calling Marlin Dean a “liar” and said that she’d never interrogated the older daughter. Wright also said she never discussed the child involved in this child molestation case. Wright said she did meet with Marlin after Judge Flanagan said the teen wanted to meet her. Wright described that conversation as “neutral”.

WJBF says ” A jury now must decide the fate of the former Columbia County commissioner accused of molesting one of his adopted daughters. Closing arguments wrapped up this afternoon.”

“The jury was sent home for the day before it could reach a verdict.

Before the case was put in the hands of that jury, we heard more from Scott Dean himself.

Dean began the day on the stand and admitted to walking around his house in a towel in front of his daughters, but he was adamant that he never sexually abused any of the girls.

Dean’s defense attorney, Pete Theodocion, tried to introduce character evidence that dean has worked with many kids as a youth minister at First Baptist Church of Harlem. Judge James Blanchard was initially hesitant to allow that evidence, but did allow it when Theodocion argued that he had to prove his case.”

WAGT gives the closing arguments:

“Defense attorney Pete Theodocian told the jury that there is too much “doubt” to convict former Columbia County commissioner Scott Dean of child molestation. “When did the alleged molestation happen?” he asked. “If it happened before September 12 2010, then it’s a crime. If it happened after (that date) then the state has no case” he argued because the victim would be 16 years old. “There’s also no evidence,” Theodocian argued. “State hasn’t proven beyond a resonable doubt.” Theodocian said that both daughters who took the stand “lied”, including the alleged victim.

Theodocian also said that two politicians risked their job to stand behind Dean. He also said that the two girls have a history of lying. Defense also suggested there was no comparison between these allegations and a 27-year old incident between a 9th grader and a 7th grader to prove a “lustful disposition”. Theodocian also referenced an exclusive interview with NBC 26’s Ashley Campbell where Marlin Dean said that the alleged incident “never happened”.

“Scott Dean, regardless of what he’s accused of here, is innocent beyond a reasonable doubt. To prove he’s guilty,” Theodocian argued, “you have one person you have to believe and she’s proven to be a liar and her sister took the stand and called her a liar” Theodocian said.

He closed by saying “I don’t know how many times I can point out the reasonable doubt in this case. It’s all over the place, I didn’t do it,” Theodocian said. “If there’s going to be justice in Columbia County today, it’s to find Scott Dean not guilty” Theodocian said.”

Earlier, character witnesses took the stand on Dean’s behalf. Some said that despite hearing about an alleged inappropriate relationship with a county employee, it did not change their opinion of his “goodness and trustworthiness”.

Dean earlier told the court that he called Sheriff Clay Whittle when Marlin ran away. He says he was “crushed” by the news of an child molestation investigation. “It crushed me…it crushed my spirits” he said. Dean also admitted to saying in anger “When this over, heads will roll”. Dean also said he attempted suicide when Marlin left but his friend stopped him by pulling the gun out of his hand.”

“Prosecuting attorney said to jurors: “If you believe _____ Dean, he’s guilty. If you don’t believe _____ Dean, he’s innocent.” He continued, “I’ll be the first to admit that children lie but grown ups lie too. Why? To get out of trouble,” he told jurors. “What man is going to molest his child and then go to his political friends and tell them about it? Think about how many times the victim had to share her story of Dean molesting her,” prosecutors said. He continued, “Think about having to come in here and talk to 12 strangers of it. Defense says victim can’t remember before or after September 12 as to when the incident happened. Remember your first kiss. Do you remember your age or do you remember the date?” he asked jurors. “Your remember the age and ______ remembers the age.”

The prosecuting attorney continued: “When asked who to believe or not to believe, you should ask who as the most to lose. Not the (victim), she lost her privacy, her security, everything by telling her story,” he said. “Dean has everything to gain by lying to you. He has a lot to lose if found guilty.” prosecutors said to jurors.”

Update: “After almost four days of in court, a verdict has been reached in the trial of a former Columbia County commissioner.

The jury found Scott Dean guilty of both charges Thursday afternoon.

Dean was found guilty of two counts of sexual molestation. The indictment claims he inappropriately touched his 16-year-old adopted daughter and exposed himself to her, indicating he wanted to have sex with her.

He could be sentenced to up to 40 years in prison — 20 years for each charge.

Judge Blanchard told deputies to take Dean into custody until sentencing. Some family members reacted by quietly sobbing and leaning on each other. As Dean left the courtroom, he turned back to look at his family.

Around 2 p.m., the jury members came into the courtroom and announced they had reached a verdict for the exposing charge. They said they had not reached a verdict on the touching charge and had come to an 11-1 vote. The judge reminded the jury that a unanimous verdict is a must, and they went back into deliberations.

Dean was indicted in February of 2011 and after multiple delays in the case, a jury was finally selected and testimony began Monday afternoon in Evans.”

Former Columbia Co. Commissioner Scott Dean found guilty on both counts
[WDRW 12/15/11 by Katie Beasley]

“After more than five hours of deliberation, members of the jury reported to the judge that they’ve reached a verdict on one of the two counts of molestation levied against Dean, 42.

The nature of their decision was not revealed then, and the judge asked them to resume their deliberations.

In a note to the judge, jurors said they have reached a conclusion on the count dealing with whether Dean exposed himself to the child, but were at an impasse on the count dealing with whether Dean touched her sexually.

The jury began deliberations Wednesday afternoon after three days of testimony.

After learning of the verdict, longtime Harlem resident Jack Hatcher where Dean was mayor was surprised by today’s outcome.

“Oh my God”, he said upon hearing the news. “I didn’t feel like it was compelling evidence. The girls changed their stories. They first said they lied about it.

“Some of it just did not make any sense.”

Jury finds Scott Dean guilty on two counts of child molestation
[The Columbia County News-Times 12/15/11 by Valerie Rowell]

“Dean was relatively unemotional as he was lead into custody, simply waving good-bye to his family.

Dean guilty on both counts of child molestation
[WFXG 12/15/11 by Jake Wallace]

City Stink who nicknamed Scott Dean, “The Breck boy”, reports that in the closing arguments, the prosecution said, “Sometimes demons have the face of an angel.”

REFORM Puzzle Piece

Update 2: Scott Dean was sentenced to 20 years in prison followed by 20 years of probation on January 27, 2012.”After sentencing, Dean was returned to the Columbia County Detention Center where he had been held since his conviction.”

Dean sentenced for child molestation

[News-Times 1/29/12 by Valeria Rowell]