How is it possible to convict someone of a felony based just on testimony of the victim and a few peripherally related witnesses, with no medical evidence whatsoever?

I hope there will be an appeal that will reverse this decision.

This man was a volunteer with the MVWSD going back prior to his 2013 arrest. It's really unfortunate that the school district does not background check volunteers. I had a sick feeling in my stomach after seeing this picture. I hope that this arrest leads the district to re-evaluate their procedures.

Thank you to these brave survivors, who were victimized when they were children, for coming forward to ensure others would not be assaulted. Sending you all much love.

@insane: of course there's always one person that defends he rapist. False rape claims are extremely rare and there sure isn't any reason that think this is one. Far more rapes go unreported [Portion removed due to disrespectful comment or offensive language]

@Insane, really? Seriously? I applaud these young women, to be brave enough to come forward and report the incidents. Especially the cousin. Statistics show that sexual assault happens more often by someone you know and trust... more so than from a stranger.

I was molested as a child by a family friend. Like the cousin in this story, I didn't report it until well over 25 years!! Unfortunately, the police said nothing could be done unless other people came forward as well. It sickens me to think that this person would be a sports coach or something else that puts him in contact with young children.

Anyways, that was a lot of courage and I am proud of these women for speaking up!

Insane, it was possible to convict this man because the people who testified for the DA were believable, while the accused was not. In addition, there was evidence provided that was not outlined in this article. You can check the court records if you desire.

As Sane Person #2 noted so correctly, there will always be a person who defends the rapist. Even more unfortunate, there are parents who will ignore this information and continue to place their children in danger.

Kudos to the three witnesses. You showed tremendous courage in standing up to testify, especially in a case of sexual assault, where survivors are re-traumatized. I hope this was an empowering experience for you, and will help you as you work to recover from this trauma.

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LHH, I do hope there is other evidence, more solid than just a 'believable' testimony. Believable is very subjective. Convicting anyone of a felony just on oral testimony of an alleged victim is really scary as it is only one step away from a witch hunt.

The police should be asking whether the defendant molested or raped others in connection with his employment. If the judge gives him 5 years in this one case, he will be out even sooner (unless convicted in another case or cases). As to the guy who objected to the case because the only witness is the victim, the victim is usally the sole witness to a violent crime. And if that victim died, there is usually no witness to the crime. But no witness is needed -just convincing evidence. In Sierra LaMar's case, the prosecution did not even have a dead body. Nonetheless, the rapist who killed her was convicted of murder (beyond any reasonable doubt in the mind of any of the 12 jurors). Rightly so.