Why is it that news stories like this one no longer shock or surprise us?
Fifty counts of third-degree sexual assault have been filed against 67-year-old Kenneth Dewitt.- He was charged after authorities said he coerced three inmates into having weekly sexual encounters with him.
- Affidavits allege he initiated and scheduled sexual encounters in his office with three inmates between January 2013 and September 2014.
- One inmate told investigators that Dewitt told her not to tell anyone and that no one would believe her over him.
A former chaplain at an Arkansas women’s prison has been charged with sexual assault after authorities said he coerced three inmates into having weekly sexual encounters with him.
Fifty counts of third-degree sexual assault have been filed against 67-year-old Kenneth Dewitt, Prosecutor Henry Boyce announced on Thursday. The affidavits obtained from the Jackson County Circuit Clerk’s Office allege that Dewitt initiated and scheduled sexual encounters in his office with three inmates at the McPherson Unit — a women’s prison in Newport — between January 2013 and September 2014.
This man was in a position of authority and trust with supervision and guidance of these inmates, Boyce said. The Arkansas code statutorily prohibits any employee at the Correction Department with having sexual contact with inmates. Clergy and people with a position of trust and authority are specifically prohibited.
Dewitt founded the non-denominational faith-based program called Principles and Applications for Life at McPherson in 1998. He previously ministered at several Baptist churches.
According to the affidavits for reasonable cause, three different inmates said while they were part of Dewitt’s program, he approached them individually and asked about their feelings for him.
All three told investigators that Dewitt initiated sexual activity on multiple occasions.
The three women said Dewitt had a weekly schedule. One inmate was called to his office early Sunday mornings, another early on Monday and the third was called in early on Wednesday.
The women said they would have to sit in a chair with their backs to the office door so Dewitt could see if any guards were coming down the hallway.
One inmate said Dewitt told her not to tell anyone and that no one would believe her over him. A second inmate told investigators she tried to stop the sexual relationship, but Dewitt told her she did not have a choice. She said she cried after the encounters and considered suicide.
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