Good news.
April 15, 2008 -
Two local organizations are trying to calm community backlash that erupted after their employees testified last week on behalf of a local man being sentenced on child pornography charges.At the YMCA, Cynthia Charles is no longer employed. A spokesman declined to say whether she was fired or resigned. Another employee, Christine Longenecker previously had resigned as a part-time secretary, and her final day was Friday
The actions followed the testimony of two employees of the YWCA Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center and two employees of the Fulton Opera House. The four had testified on behalf of local actor [and teacher at Lebanon Valley College] Stephen Spiese, 57, who was sentenced [to one month to one year and 11 years probation] last week in Lebanon County Court on three charges of child pornography.
The YWCA Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center said Monday that two of its employees who testified on behalf of Spiese were no longer employed at the center. Both of the employees knew Spiese through the theater community.
At the Fulton Opera House, managing director Aaron Young said today, "We do not support (Spiese) in any way and have not since we were shocked by the allegations and his confession."Young added, "We severed all ties with him at that moment."
The two Fulton Opera employees who testified on Spiese's behalf were Barry Kornhauser, the director of the Theatre for Young Audiences at the Fulton, and Joanna Underhill, a teacher at the Fulton's Academy of Theatre. Underhill said, "As an educator who makes my living working with children, I still believe in Steve. I still respect him very much."
It isn't clear is she made that ridiculous statement to the press or in an open court room.
The Fulton released a statement today to "reassure the community that the safety of children participating in any of the Fulton programs is of utmost concern." and that the employees did not represent Fulton.
Lebanon Valley College fired him.
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TT - An arrest story said that Spiese had five dozen pictures, and two movies, of underage boys and girls in sexual scenes. According to a police affidavit, Spiese did not dispute the allegations and told investigators he had been viewing child pornography for "several years. Dozens of crying and screaming children were being raped and sexually abused by men.
Entry for Spiese. Entry for the lowercase judge who sentenced him.
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A poster at the story put it in context.
[T]wo of the women who testified from the YMCA worked in the Sexual assault counselling division. How could someone who is supposed to counsel, comfort and advocate for victims (children or adult) of sexual assault speak for this man's character without it impacting other victims? That's like having a policeman in the homicide unit provide character witness testimony for Charles Manson (remember, Charlie allegedly didn't participate in the killings so the comparison is relevant to this situation).
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