The State of Florida Sanctions Child Abuse

Florida's Escambia County Assistant Prosecutor, David Rimmer exhibits unethical and immoral treatment of a 13-year-old-sexual abuse victim in blatant display of child abuse during recent murder trial. When did the state of Florida start to sanction child abuse?

Pensacola, FL, October 9, 2002 - Concerned citizens are outraged over the blatant display of child abuse exhibited by Floridas Assistant Prosecutor David Rimmer. Mr. Rimmer flagrantly disregarded the standard practice of requiring the testimony given by minors or victims of sexual abuse to be made during a courtroom session closed to the public. He recently called a 13-year-old victim of sexual abuse to testify on national television. This took place during the murder trial accusing a convicted child molester of killing the boys father. Additionally, the same defendant is charged with molesting the 13-year-old. There is little question that Mr. Rimmer intended that this victim be cast in the least favorable light to the jury and used his authority and power to humiliate and degrade the underage victim of a convicted child molester.

Mr. Rimmer presented Alex King, a child victim of sexual abuse, in a courtroom to offer testimony against the defendant, Ricky Chavis. Alex King was forced to give testimony with both arms and legs shackled while dressed in his county jail uniform. This child was required to answer questions regarding his sexual relationship" with the defendant which not only got into specifics, but also included reading "love notes" the child victim wrote. Florida law prohibits a consensual sexual relationship" between a 13-year-old child and a 40-year-old adult, calling it statutory rape. It was Mr. Rimmers obligation to insist that this testimony, by this child sexual abuse victim, be given in a closed session rather than parading a young boy shackled in handcuffs around the courtroom. Unfortunately, Alex Kings testimony was broadcast to millions of television viewers.

State sanctioned child abuse must be stopped. Mr. Rimmers unethical and immoral treatment of a 13-year-old victim of sexual abuse is not acceptable. He must be held responsible for his actions and be charged for child abuse.

Alex and his 14-year-old brother Derek King are in the Escambia jail awaiting their sentencing for being found guilty of second-degree murder without a weapon and arson. According to the jury, the boys opened the door of their home and allowed the murderer of their father to enter. The minimum sentence for this crime is 22 years to life.

Dont let Floridas legal system fail Alex and Derek. Starting with one voice, laws can be changed. Show your support by attending a rally for Alex and Derek before a hearing motion for a new trial on October 17. Attend the rally and please stay for the hearing at 1:00 p.m. in Pensacola.

Rally Date:   Thursday, Oct. 17, 2002
Time:       9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location:      In front of the M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building
190 Government Street
Pensacola, Florida

Additional ways to show support for Alex and Derek are to sign the online petitions for Governor Bush and the Honorable Judge Bell requesting justice for the King Brothers at
http://www.petitiononline.com/Kingboys/ and
http://www.e-thepeople.org/a-national/petition/3642/view.
Defense donations are being accepted for Alex and Derek at the Bank of Pensacola. Please make checks payable to Bank of Pensacola, Alex and Derek King, Account #050016, Attn: Alicia Steele, P.O. Box 12966, Pensacola, FL 32591. You can also visit the King Brothers store at www.cafepress.com/kingbrothers.

Concerned citizens from around the world have formed a coalition to seek justice for Derek and Alex King and others. Working together with Rev. Thomas Masters and his Under Our Wings Organization, it is our goal to bring justice to the legal system in Florida. This coalition will not stop until justice is reached in the King Brothers case. For more information, visit www.derekandalexking.org or http://home.triad.rr.com/seekjustice/.

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Media Contact: Mary at 949-574-4186 or marys@derekandalexking.org