Clark County (The Evening News)
Convicted Clark County molester sentenced to 50 years
Man maintains innocence, plans to appeal conviction
A man convicted of six counts of child molesting was sentenced to 50 years in prison Tuesday in Clark Superior Court No. 1.
Last month, a jury convicted Richard Dean Martin, 31, of six counts of class A felony child molesting.
While Martin maintains he is innocent, Deputy Prosecutor Shelley Marble said she hopes the conviction and sentence sends a message to other victims.
“I hope it allows girls who go through this to come forward and opens the doors of communication,” said Marble, who prosecuted the case.
An 11-year-old girl who lived with Martin told an investigator with Child Protective Services that Martin touched and kissed her private parts. He was charged in March 2007.
The molestation reportedly occurred in New Albany, Clarksville and Sellersburg during a three-year period and happened about three times per month. The victim testified that Martin threatened her not to tell her mother.
The victim’s mother said in court Tuesday that her daughter did not go to the sentencing because she is ready to move on with her life. She said her daughter is doing well in school, but has nightmares.
“She still feels like it’s partly her fault,” the victim’s mother told the judge. “She still has to live with this the rest of her life.”
Judge Vicki Carmichael sentenced Martin to the harshest possible penalty for each count. She sentenced him to 50 years executed, but ordered the sentences to run concurrently. Marble had asked for the sentences to run consecutively, while Martin’s attorney, Niles Driskell, asked for probation only.
Martin complained that the attorney who represented him during trial did not allow him to testify.
“They didn’t get to hear my side, and they didn’t get to hear the truth,” Martin told the judge. “I would never harm a child.”
Driskell — who was hired to represent Martin for sentencing and appeals — said he and his client are considering their legal options. He could file a motion to correct an error within 30 days in the Superior Court or go directly to the Indiana Court of Appeals.
During the sentencing, Driskell called several witnesses who testified that they believe Martin is innocent and would trust him with their children.
“He denies (guilt) vigorously,” Driskell said.
Martin’s sister, brother-in-law, fiancé’s mother and pastor all testified on his behalf.
Pastor Keith Wilkins said he has counseled four pedophiles and said he does not believe Martin could have molested a child. He claims that if Martin had enough money to hire an attorney for the trial, he would have been found not guilty.
Martin was represented by the law office of Nathan Masingo during jury trial. Masingo was not immediately available for comment late Tuesday.
- Clark County (The Evening News)
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EVENING NEWS BRIEFS: March 11, 2010
St. Joseph Hill Ladies Club will host its annual dessert card party at 7 p.m. March 18 at the St. Joe Hill Parish Hall, 2607 St. Joe Road West, Sellersburg.
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Officials eyeing Tenth Street
Properties along Tenth Street — including Gateway Plaza and nearby abandoned buildings formerly occupied by Long John Silvers, Schwinn and Shell — are among those being considered as potential investments for Jeffersonville’s Redevelopment Commission.
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Resident again voices complaint about noise
Jeffersonville resident Mark Scott has again asked the city’s Board of Public Works and Safety to crack down on noise downtown.
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Student claims Army recruiter showed nude image
The U.S. Army is investigating claims that a recruiter showed a group of Charlestown High School students nude photos on his iPhone.
- Clark County funding issues remain, despite budget revision
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TRACKING GRADUATES:
A new tool will help Indiana high schools track the performance of their graduates in college, including figuring out which ones needed extra help in courses and which ones didn’t.
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Where does the buck stop?
Clark County has been overspending for the past two years and a string of errors may have worsened the county’s financial situation.
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Buyer plans to save Haven House
The homeless shelter in Jeffersonville will stay open after a buyer stepped in and purchased Haven House Service’s Inc.’s building as it was being auctioned by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service on Tuesday.
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THE EVENING NEWS BRIEFS: Mach 10, 2010
Jeffersonville High School’s Student Council is collecting new and gently used books through March 19 to give to patients at Kosair Children’s Hospital.
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EVENING NEWS BRIEFS: March 11, 2010
