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Aaron’s hearing delayed
Published Thursday, November 5, 2009
The preliminary hearing set Friday for the former pastor accused of sexually molesting and torturing young boys while on camping trips has been continued.
Ralph Lee Aaron, the 54-year-old former pastor of Grace Christian Fellowship, was charged last week with 152 counts of sex-related crimes including the production and possession of child pornography, sexual abuse and torture and sodomy. He is currently in the county jail under a $24.5 million bond.
The settlement phase of Aaron’s case began last week with a meeting between not only him and his court appointed attorney, Al Smith of Elba, but also District Attorney Greg Gambril and the families of Aaron’s alleged victims, where Gambril discussed with the victims’ families about how to proceed with the case.
Gambril said Thursday that Aaron’s preliminary hearing will now be held on “an undetermined date next week” and cited conflicting schedules between himself and defense attorney Al Smith of Elba as the reason for the continuance.
The terms of the settlement proposed to Aaron by the district attorney’s office are unknown; however, Gambril has previously stated the state will seek a maximum of life imprisonment.
Under Alabama law, all convictions of a “Class A” felony carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Of the 152 total charges Aaron faces, 44 are “Class A” felonies.
Comments
Posted by Timetraveler (anonymous) on November 6, 2009 at 6:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Shouldn't it be "A minimum penalty of life imprisonment" for a "CLASS A" felony? This smells like Gambril will be looking to cut a deal to insure a conviction and not let this go through the whole court process.
If this puts this pervert in prison and protects the children he "allegedly" molested from public humiliation, will the public's cry for blood be satisfied?
Posted by ToldYouSo (anonymous) on November 6, 2009 at 6:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How silly! Seems Timetraveler is trying to play politics with this issue. Simply put: There will be no "blood" shed by this pervert! This is not Greg Gambril's doing, IT IS THE RESULT OF U.S. SUPREME COURT RULINGS and the laws of Alabama.
So If Gambril won't settle for LESS than the MAXIMUM penalty...Where's the gripe???
Posted by rlb1940 (anonymous) on November 6, 2009 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Lock him up good and tight, and then don't write about him no more. We don't want to hear it.
Posted by workingman (anonymous) on November 6, 2009 at 12:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This may be the wrong way to think but, I say any one as with this man or whom ever "If one has been cought dead to wright and with no dought in his guilt, give him three days in jail for what he has done and at the end of that time take him to the square and hang him!", We should NOT waste our tax money on him, I think it should be as my wife tells me every day, "TAKE THE TRASH OUT".
Posted by flagirl (anonymous) on November 6, 2009 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Im in total agreement with workingman.But In addition I would sell tickets,maybe even get in touch with one of the Hollywood reality shows to put it on the boob tube.
Who knows It might catch on .Then make it open season on perverts.!!!!!!!!
Posted by sponqebob (anonymous) on November 6, 2009 at 1:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Covington co at its best ic
Posted by flagirl (anonymous) on November 6, 2009 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I was actually holding back
Posted by SouthernAttitude1 (anonymous) on November 6, 2009 at 1:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
flagirl, nothing wrong with your comment. Most of us would like to see open season on perverts.
workingman, you are dead right about the square! Put the darn thing to good use.
Posted by chefjones (anonymous) on November 6, 2009 at 2:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Flagirl...Sell tickets and give the money to the school system
Posted by dickie (anonymous) on November 6, 2009 at 9:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
let GOd do the punishing and he will if not here then in the after life
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