GUILTY KS - Police Chief Mike Akins for child sexual abuse, Inman, 2010

Missizzy

New Member
Joined
Jul 19, 2009
Messages
10,552
Reaction score
170
Wintergreen posted a link to this on the Mohler thread and since I couldn't find a thread, I thought we needed to keep an eye on this guy. A judge determined today that there is enough evidence to try him even though he was arrested several months ago. The charge of Aggravated Indecent Liberties always strikes me as a charge which really fits the crime.

http://www.kansascity.com/2010/03/2...chief-faces-trial.html?storylink=omni_popular

"A judge has determined there is enough evidence to try a Kansas police chief on charges he molested four children.

Thirty-eight-year-old Mike Akins Jr. appeared Friday in McPherson County District Court for a preliminary hearing.

Prosecutors allege Akins committed the crimes between December 2008 and December 2009 while he was police chief of Inman. The town of about 1,200 is an hour's drive north of Wichita...."

more at link

The complaint documents:

http://ftpcontent.worldnow.com/kwch/kwch/images/pdfs/AkinsCOMPLAINT.pdf


Has anyone local heard more about this case?
 
I'm going off what I'm reading in the news reports, BeanE. I'm not sure all charges are covered in this complaint. News reports state quite clearly that there are four children--relative children. Former Chief Akins knew better. Are you seeing something different?

Another link:

http://www.kansas.com/2010/03/28/1244773.html#ixzz0jaTL5V8w

The former Inman police chief is headed for trial on charges he molested four children

"Mike Akins Jr., 38, appeared Friday in McPherson County District Court for a preliminary hearing on 19 criminal counts alleging he sexually abused three girls and one boy, ages 9 to 14, between December 2008 and December 2009, while he was police chief.
Akins was arrested Jan. 13 and remains free on $250,000 bond. He has been suspended without pay from his job as police chief. His arraignment is scheduled for April 20.

A 14-year-old girl and her 13-year-old brother testified Friday that Akins touched them inappropriately. The boy also said he saw Akins touch his three sisters in the same manner...."

more at link
 
...and the typical "she's a bitter ex setting him up" comments from the peanut gallery of commenters. People...it's been known to happen, fine, but four siblings all telling the same story HAVE to be taken seriously!

If he did do it, the gen pop is seriously going to luuuurve having a pedophile cop on board!
 
I don't know why, but it really bothers me that Akins wouldn't even open the door. Of course he knew the gig was up and his threats hadn't worked. But couldn't he be man enough to step forward and listen to the complaints against him? He's the Chief of Police, for heaven's sake.

I also wondered why the children had to testify in front of the man at a hearing? Why can't their appearance in front of him be delayed until trial?

"Two of the children testified during the hearing Friday that Akins touched them inappropriately. Akins occasionally shook his head "no" during the testimony."

http://www.kansascity.com/2010/03/28/1842473/kansas-police-chief-faces-trial.html
 
Does it bother anybody else as much as it does me that commenters who jump in to support men accused of child sexual abuse are almost always peers of the accused?

"I've known Mike for 20 years and he's a stand up kinda guy..."

I've been a friend of Mike's for over 25 years and there's no way he would ever hurt a kid. He's an outgoing and caring member of the community....."

What on God's green earth does this have to do with what Mike might do to children behind closed doors? Isn't it interesting that we rarely hear from young people who speak up positively about the accused. When they do speak, I certainly listen. We also rarely hear, "Yeah, I always knew there was something slimy about that guy." Those people don't want to be judged for not speaking up. They might have suspected but, by golly, they don't want to get involved in family stuff.

So what happens to all of the "Mike's friends" when a guy is convicted? Do they stand by their man and turn a blind eye to the evidence? Do they blithely hold onto their theory that this was the work of a vindictive ex?

Or do they humbly step forward and say, "My Gosh, I was fooled. I can't believe how I missed it. The man let me down. How can I help those kids?" Now, those are men I would admire. We can all be fooled and deluded but it never pays to keep our heads in the sand and be stupid.
 
I'm going off what I'm reading in the news reports, BeanE. I'm not sure all charges are covered in this complaint. News reports state quite clearly that there are four children--relative children. Former Chief Akins knew better. Are you seeing something different?

Another link:

http://www.kansas.com/2010/03/28/1244773.html#ixzz0jaTL5V8w

The former Inman police chief is headed for trial on charges he molested four children

"Mike Akins Jr., 38, appeared Friday in McPherson County District Court for a preliminary hearing on 19 criminal counts alleging he sexually abused three girls and one boy, ages 9 to 14, between December 2008 and December 2009, while he was police chief.
Akins was arrested Jan. 13 and remains free on $250,000 bond. He has been suspended without pay from his job as police chief. His arraignment is scheduled for April 20.

A 14-year-old girl and her 13-year-old brother testified Friday that Akins touched them inappropriately. The boy also said he saw Akins touch his three sisters in the same manner...."

more at link

No I read the complaint as multiple children, Missizzy. Just wasn't sure I was reading it right. A police chief! Dear God.
 
I'm going off what I'm reading in the news reports, BeanE. I'm not sure all charges are covered in this complaint. News reports state quite clearly that there are four children--relative children. Former Chief Akins knew better. Are you seeing something different?

Another link:

http://www.kansas.com/2010/03/28/1244773.html#ixzz0jaTL5V8w

The former Inman police chief is headed for trial on charges he molested four children

"Mike Akins Jr., 38, appeared Friday in McPherson County District Court for a preliminary hearing on 19 criminal counts alleging he sexually abused three girls and one boy, ages 9 to 14, between December 2008 and December 2009, while he was police chief.
Akins was arrested Jan. 13 and remains free on $250,000 bond. He has been suspended without pay from his job as police chief. His arraignment is scheduled for April 20.

A 14-year-old girl and her 13-year-old brother testified Friday that Akins touched them inappropriately. The boy also said he saw Akins touch his three sisters in the same manner...."

more at link

I must admit it infuriates me to no end when the word "molested" is applied to cases like this. If you read the complaint it is also offensive when they state he had "sexual intercourse":innocent: with a child under the age of 14, as if somehow that means it wasn't rape. Why does our legal system seem to tiptoe around the brutal truth if it is sexual abuses done to children?

It makes me as mad as when the media comes out with an article on a female teacher stating the teacher "was having sex" :furious: with the victim. It is RAPE and it is not having sex!

IMOO
 
http://www.saljournal.com/news/story/inman3-26-10


"....The mother said Akins often ate lunch with local elementary students and taught "personal safety courses" to the students, which included informing them about what a "good touch" and “bad touch" means.

It wasn't until a few months ago, in December, that her 14-year-old daughter disclosed that Akins had been touching her inappropriately between May and December 2009, the mother said....."



I really flummoxed here. Why did this mom and her children have to testify in front of Akins--at a hearing?

In Oregon, these cases are handled by a grand jury and the children testify at the Children's Advocacy Center which is very child friendly. It is not a courtroom but more like a boardroom with a large oval table. The jurors will have already watched any videotaped interviews. The child is escorted in by an advocate and a therapist and seated. The DA asks the child some questions at an age appropriate level as the jurors make notes. The child is then excused to the therapy room where they are "debriefed" with their parents or care providers. At no time does the child have to see the offender during this phase. If the videotapes are clear enough, children often aren't called at all to the hearing. This is what happened in Dr. Bradley's case. No child or parent was forced to be present or to testify.

If the charges are a "true bill" and go to trial, the child will likely have to testify. Once again, though, this would be with the support of advocates and family. Contact with the accused is kept to a bare minimum. I don't understand why children who have so recently disclosed would have to face their alleged abuser/rapist, while they are still emotionally raw, AND be forced to observe the man shaking his head "no". Talk about intimidation!! This little boy already made the comment, "Who's going to believe me over him?"

Not only your mom's former boyfriend--but also your police chief, school resource officer and your rapist. Not OK, in my book.

Can anyone from Kansas weigh in please and let us know if this is typical.
 
Also from the article MissIzzy linked to:

"Akins is represented by McPherson attorney David Harger. Assistant attorney general Christine Ladner is the prosecutor in today's hearing, which is being heard by retired Sedgwick County District Court judge Ronald Innes because area judges have recused themselves from the case."

I can see why all the local judges recused themselves as they surely knew Akins personally and professionally. But can a retired judge come back to the bench? I mean, once you're a judge do you stay a judge forever or do you have to re-"certify" (or whatever makes a judge an official judge) every so often?

If that sounds like a dumb question it's because I'm new here. ;)
 
In our county, circuit court judges certainly do come out of retirement for pro-tem gigs.

ITA about the inappropriateness of the words "molestation" and "sexual intercourse" (the latter, meaning a certain amount of reciprocity, of which a child cannot consent to). However, it is slightly better than the phrase, "sexual relationship", which sends me over the edge and causes me to immediately write to editors.
 
Here's a legal definition of the word "molestation". I think I'd have to agree that it is an umbrella term for a wide variety of crimes. It can include anything from fondling to brutal rape.

I was very much indoctrinated by Crime Victims United to never minimize the crimes against my children. Their rapist was convicted on 12 counts of rape, sodomy, and sexual abuse against them so I use the word rapist.

http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Child+Molestation

"Child molestation is a crime involving a range of indecent or sexual activities between an adult and a child, usually under the age of 14. In psychiatric terms, these acts are sometimes known as pedophilia. It is important, however, to keep in mind that child molestation and child Sexual Abuse refer to specific, legally defined actions...."

more at link
 
http://www.kake.com/home/headlines/89296572.html

"....Akins has been out on bond after posting his $250,000 surety bond through a bonding agent...."

http://www.kake.com/home/headlines/89296572.html?storySection=comments

"That Police Chief has served many years protecting your lives, the judge needs to be lenient and allow him to keep his job. He is a hero and shouldn't be held accountable for a very small mistake he made a very long time ago." Posted Apr. 10th by Anon.


http://www.hutchnews.com/Localregional/Akins-pleads-innocent--2

Inman, Kansas chief pleads innocent

"The police chief of a small McPherson County town pleaded innocent Tuesday to 19 criminal charges alleging he molested four children.

Mike Akins Jr., 38, who appeared Tuesday before Senior District Judge Ronald Innes, is accused of sexually abusing three girls and one boy - all between the ages of 9 and 14 - between December 2008 and December 2009, while he was police chief of Inman...."

more at link
 
Some updates for former Police Chief Akins:

http://www.hutchnews.com/Localregional/Akins-pre-trial--1

Motions filed in pretrial for ex-chief accused of sex abuse

"An assistant attorney general indicated Tuesday that the former police chief of Inman, [Mike Akins], who awaits trial on charges he molested four children, was "disciplined for sexual harassment" at a previous job...."

and

"...The Legislature modified state law last year to allow evidence of a defendant's prior conduct, which is no longer required to be "strikingly similar" to the charged offenses.....

At trial, the state plans to introduce evidence of all sexual contact Akins had with the alleged child victims; all of his sexual practices; and details of his relationships with the children...."

and

"...Akins had been living in Hutchinson but recently moved back to Inman, where his home is three blocks from the alleged victims' schools. She said the children and their mother "don't feel comfortable with their normal activities without running into him" in the small town...."

and

"He [Judge Innes] advised Akins, "The less contact there is, the better."

more at link

How about no contact PERIOD. I think it is outrageous that the judge allows Akins to live so close to where the children attend school and possibly play. That is not OK. Even his presence nearby is an intimidation tactic. Our judge ruled that our children's rapist could not enter our entire town without prior approval. He lived with family friends (the director of DHS and the mayor) in a nearby city, while awaiting trial. Akins had been living in a nearby small city, Hutchinson (pop. 40,000), which is 16 miles away from tiny Inman (pop. 1100). Why couldn't he be ordered to stay in Hutchinson? The child victims' comfort needs to come first IMO.
 
I wonder if all those early supporters of former Police Chief Akins will now step forward and apologize to his victims and to the "vindictive ex-girlfriend". Where are they now??

http://behindthebluewall.blogspot.com/2011/02/ks-while-police-chief-mike-akins-was.html

FORMER INMAN POLICE CHIEF GETS 2 LIFE TERMS IN SEX ABUSE CASE

"A former Inman [KS] police chief will serve at least 55 years in prison without parole for molesting three girls in 2009 in the small town southwest of McPherson. Mike Akins Jr., a 39-year-old Hutchinson native, was escorted from a McPherson County courtroom in handcuffs Tuesday after he was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences under Jessica's Law, plus an additional five years in prison...."

more at link (including details of the testimony)
 
This statement by the mother of the victims bothers me greatly. Akins was out on bond and he was ordered to stay off computers. The mother learned that he was on social networking sites and nothing was done? I've come to the conclusion that not a single pedophile follows the clear rules set out for them by the court. Why even bother?

From my link above:

"...The mother noted he "still operates" on three social networking websites as if he is an officer, although "he has been removed from that privilege."
 

Members online

Online statistics

Members online
247
Guests online
1,463
Total visitors
1,710

Forum statistics

Threads
589,164
Messages
17,914,825
Members
227,741
Latest member
Drury Lane
Back
Top