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Research Journal

Research Journal
Alicia Tena Rosales
Salt Lake Community College
ENG 1010: Intro to Writing
Deon Martineau
March 29, 2024

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Research Journal

Entry 1
Citation:
Reimer, S. (2012, Jul 19). Child sexual abuse needs prevention, not just punishment. The
Baltimore Sun.
https://libprox1.slcc.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/child-sexual-a
buse-needs-prevention-not-just/docview/1027089072/se-2
Summary: The report by former FBI Director Louis Freeh criticized Penn State’s upper
administration and football coach Joe Paterno for failing to act in 1998 when they learned of a
complaint that assistant coach Jerry Sandusky had showered with an 11-year-old boy. The report
suggests that earlier intervention could have prevented over a decade of abuse by Sandusky.
However, it highlights a broader issue: society’s treatment of child sexual abuse solely as a
criminal matter, not focusing on prevention and treatment. Despite emerging research indicating
that some individuals may be born with a sexual preference for children, society’s response often
increases rather than decreases desperation among convicted offenders, leading to a lifetime of
surveillance and ostracism.
Analysis: The Baltimore Sun is a well-established newspaper with a long history of reporting on
various topics, including issues related to child sexual abuse. However, the credibility of an
individual article, such as “Child sexual abuse needs prevention, not just punishment” by S.
Reimer, depends on factors such as the accuracy of the information presented, the expertise of
the author, and the thoroughness of the research. Throughout the article, Reimer draws upon
credible sources such as: Elizabeth Letourneau, associate professor in the department of mental
health and James Cantor of the University of Toronto that will help provide insight to the
audience and understand the gravity of the situation. Overall, the article offers valuable access to
the mindset of predators, as informed by professionals and not understanding how people in
power just sit there and watch.
Response: The article had a profound impact on the direction of my research into child sexual
abuse, illuminating the severity of the issue. It prompted a reevaluation of my initial inquiry: "Is
the existing system sufficient to deter child offenders from committing further offenses?" Time
and time again, the system has proven inadequate in protecting children, and this article served
as a stark reminder of that reality. It highlighted the deplorable actions of those in positions of
authority who choose to turn a blind eye. Moreover, the article exposed the exploitation and

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suffering experienced by vulnerable children at the hands of individuals who shirk


accountability. I intend to utilize this article to explore both preventative measures and punitive
actions in addressing this pressing issue.

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Entry 2
Citation:
McEntee, P. (2010, Feb 22). McEntee: Crime and punishment in child pornography, sexual abuse. The
Salt Lake Tribune.
https://libprox1.slcc.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/mcentee-crime-punish
ment-child-pornography-sexual/docview/280543803/se-2
Summary: A man has been charged with a federal count of child pornography and trafficking it
across state and national borders. He called himself Brents39, online and he was interested in
Lindsey. She was a young teenager, chatting with Brent on her computer. Rhett McQuiston of the
Internet Crimes Against Children task force, Brent’s case file details his obsession with Lindsey
and he really wanted him. Later, Brent is arrested, found 200 images of child pornography on his
home computer, currently sits at Utah State Prison. Child pornography and child sexual abuse is
a man the task force arrested on Jan. 10, because he recorded himself raping the boy, and
distributed the video online and around the world. The criminal– who possesses child
pornography, who attacks children– spans the lines of age, race, religion or socioeconomic
status.
Analysis: The Salt Lake Tribune falls within the middle range in terms of bias and reliability for
its analysis and factual reporting. However, the credibility of individual articles hinges on the
sources they utilize. In a recent piece, The Salt Lake Tribune highlighted ICAC’s Operation
Frostbite, detailing the involvement of key figures such as case agent Dave Artis, officers Steve
Gamvroulas, and Capt. Jessica Farnsworth. These sources provided crucial information
regarding efforts to combat child pornography and prevent predators from targeting young
children, emphasizing the importance of holding such individuals accountable for their actions.
Response: The article provides valuable insights into the issue of child pornography, delving
into the psychology of perpetrators and exposing how they exploit children for personal
gratification, often storing explicit images of minors on their personal computers. Its relevance to
my research journal lies in its illumination of how children can be exploited online without
physical contact, though such exploitation may escalate to physical encounters. Additionally, it
challenges misconceptions about the seriousness of child pornography offenses, stressing the
necessity for stronger punishment to hold predators accountable and prevent the widespread
abuse of minors. Despite its significance, this article was not incorporated into my research.

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Entry 3
Citation:
Choate, T. (2024, Feb 08). Jury determines Crump's punishment for raping child. Times Record
News.
https://libprox1.slcc.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/jury-determine
s-crumps-punishment-raping-child/docview/2923427871/se-2
Summary: In the 89th District Court of Wichita Falls, Texas, a jury delivered a verdict
sentencing William Mark Crump to life in prison for the rape of a 5-year-old girl at his residence.
The victim, now 9 years old, was accompanied from the courtroom by family members. At 63
years old, Crump has a lengthy criminal record, including prior convictions for aggravated
sexual abuse dating back to the 1990s from another state. In addition to the life sentence, the jury
imposed a $10,000 fine on Crump. This case echoes a previous conviction on March 13, 1997, in
North Carolina, where Crump was found guilty of incest and taking indecent liberties with a
minor. The sentencing for that conviction ranged from 5 to 99 years or life in prison, along with a
$10,000 fine. After deliberating for about an hour, the jury found Crump guilty of aggravated
sexual assault against the 9-year-old girl, an offense that occurred on August 16, 2020.
Analysis: The Times Record News is a media outlet, and its bias rating has not been assessed.
Trish Choate, an enterprise watchdog reporter, focused on covering education, courts, and
breaking news. The credibility also extends to the jury that convicted William Mark Crump.
Additionally, the family of the 9-year-old victim, along with their standing by, serves as a
credible source.
Response: The evictions of William Mark Crump were deeply troubling, especially considering
that he was released after merely paying a fine. This outcome failed to provide justice for the
children impacted by his actions, and it was unjust for the judge to allow such leniency for the
heinous acts he committed. This case highlights the problem of juries sometimes undervaluing
the importance of fair sentencing in child abuse cases. Failing to hold perpetrators accountable
can lead to dangerous individuals being reintegrated into society, posing ongoing threats to
children's safety. This article was included in the research as supporting evidence for the
viewpoint that punishment alone is insufficient in deterring further offenses.

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Entry 4
Citation:
Walker, L. (2023, Mar 06). Man found guilty of child sex charges gets life sentence. Times
Record News.
https://libprox1.slcc.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/man-found-gui
lty-child-sex-charges-gets-life/docview/2783424658/se-2
Summary: Peter Arnold-Brooks Graf was found guilty on a single count of aggravated sexual
assault of a child, two counts of indecency with a child, and nine counts related to child
pornography. Judge Meredith Kennedy of the Seventy-Eighth District Court sentenced him to
life in prison for the sexual assault conviction and twenty years in prison for each of the other
convictions. These charges stem from incidents involving a 10-year-old child that first came to
light in February 2016. During the investigation led by a detective specializing in crimes against
minors, digital devices were scrutinized, revealing thousands of nude images of a child, some of
which depicted the child in lewd poses. Additionally, the images included a younger victim who
was one or two years old at the time the photos were taken.
Analysis: The Times Record News is a media outlet, and its bias rating has not been assessed.
Walker Lynn was responsible for covering the court case involving the victim. Among the
credible sources involved in the case are Judge Meredith Kennedy and the convicted individual,
Peter Arnold-Brooks Graf. Additionally, Wichita County District Attorney John Gillespie,
Special Victims Unit Chief Brooke Robb, and Dobie Kosub, First Assistant District Attorney,
provided valuable insights. Including direct quotes from each of these individuals will provide a
comprehensive perspective on the case and enhance the credibility of the article.
Response: The article highlights the justice served in the case of the child assaulted by Peter
Arnold-Brooks Graf. It emphasizes the crucial role judges play in holding individuals
accountable for their crimes, as exemplified by the actions of Judge Meredith Kennedy. Through
the imposition of a stacked sentence, Judge Kennedy sent a clear message about the severity of
each act of child sexual abuse. Such decisive measures are essential in conveying a strong
deterrent message to perpetrators of such reprehensible crimes. Furthermore, the pursuit of
justice not only provides closure for the victim but also reaffirms society's steadfast support for
them. This article was integrated into the research to support the viewpoint that punishment
effectively deters child predators from reoffending.

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Word Count: 1525/1554

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