'This cannot happen': Boulder judge sentences VineLife Church leaders for not reporting sex assault
By Alex Burness Staff Writer POSTED: 07/23/2015 07:08:03 PM MDT
Seeking to send a message, a Boulder County judge exceeded prosecutors' requests Thursday in ordering two VineLife Church officials to serve 10 days in jail or on a work crew for failing to report sexual-assault allegations levied against the church's youth pastor in 2013.
Two elders with the church, located at 7845 Lookout Road in unincorporated Boulder County, received lesser sentences for their role in what prosecutors have described as a cover-up.
"There was enough information that the parties should have made that report to law enforcement," Judge David Archuleta said during Thursday's sentencing hearing. "A message has to be sent that this cannot happen."
VineLife pastors Walter Roberson and Robert Young will serve...
Winter Appeal 2023
To our friends,
2023 has been a long year with many ups and downs for us all. As we close out the year, we at SNAP hope that you are feeling like you are on your way to being healthy, fulfilled, and happy. This past year has brought both successes and challenges. Thanks to the support you have shown in the past, we’ve been able to celebrate the good days and weather the stormy ones. Now, we are once again asking for your support as we work to support survivors new and old as we ‘Move SNAP Forward.’
At SNAP we are proud to have hosted a very well-attended conference in August 2023. This event allowed us to gather friends, survivors, advocates, and allies for a weekend of camaraderie and connection. We were so happy to be able to welcome many first-time attendees to gather in person and are already looking forward to the next conference.
To strengthen our movement for justice, healing, and prevention, SNAP will be expanding our peer support and providing more volunteer opportunities in the coming year. Through this great work, we are ensuring survivor voices are represented as we work for significant change that will benefit children and survivors.
Right now, survivors worldwide are getting the help they need from SNAP, and more and more reach out to us daily, but we need your help to keep those programs going and get our volunteers the training they need to thrive.
Your tax-deductible gift to SNAP can help offset the cost of our important mission. If you are not in a position to contribute, you can still support us by sharing this letter with those who can. As we continue to fight for survivors across the globe, your donation or sharing the great work SNAP does will help us continue our work to protect the vulnerable, heal the wounded, and prevent abuse.
Your donation ensures SNAP will be there for those who need us more than ever!
Warmly,
Michael W. McDonnell, C.P.S.
Interim Executive Director
Showing 1 comment
It’s good that the judge has exceeded prosecutors’ requests but what is the maximum sentence he could have given.
Punish ALL people who cover up crimes against children, not just the Roman Catholics.