Convicted Sex Offender Acquitted

Tools

John David Hatch III

By Associated Press

Story Created: Jun 27, 2008 at 7:48 AM CST

Story Updated: Jun 27, 2008 at 7:48 AM CST

South Dakota lawmakers appear willing to revise the state's indecent exposure laws after a Sioux Falls man was found not guilty of exposing himself to a tot. Deputy Minnehaha County State's Attorney Hope Matchan says the law's poor wording led to the acquittal of a convicted sex offender accused of exposing himself to a 2-year-old girl.

A Minnehaha County jury found 55-year-old John David Hatch not guilty Wednesday of indecent exposure involving the young girl. Police arrested Hatch in January when the girl's grandfather reported finding the two together in a shed in central Sioux Falls.

User Agreement

View comments

The following comments do not necessarily represent the views of KSFY.com. Users have agreed to these terms and in doing so accept full responsibility for their comments. Moderation is limited.

View Newest Comments First

Friday, Jun 27 at 9:05 AM SHAM wrote ...

He make a mistake, lets just not asume he's guilty and put a man back in prison for doing nothing wrong. Sham on us there is still a fare Court.

Friday, Jun 27 at 10:03 AM to sham: wrote ...

He did it once it says its poor wording in the law that let him free this time. I wonder if you would be so understanding if it was your 2 yr old daughter you saw him exposing himself to.

Friday, Jun 27 at 1:18 PM To Sham wrote ...

Did you mean he "made" a mistake? And "Let's" just not "assume?" And "SHAME" on us there is still a "fair" court? Is that last sentence a statement or a question? Maybe next time you post a comment reread your comment and make sure it's spelled correctly and actually makes sense!

Friday, Jun 27 at 1:46 PM This is sad wrote ...

A person can go to jail for traffic tickets. But a man exposing himself to a two year old get's a get out of jail free ticket because of the way our laws are worded. This is a pretty sad world.

Saturday, Jun 28 at 10:19 AM stacey wrote ...

i have a 2 year old and i would not expect to find her in a shed with any man alone. if there was assumptions or questioning...you know he did wrong and just because it is not worded correctly, tell that to the little girl in 3 years when she's still scared of men. "Sometimes things are just worded badly" poor poor wording then. He should be in jail!!!

Saturday, Jun 28 at 10:28 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Why is this man being let go of something such as this? This is an outrage that he is able to just go do this with another young child. I cannot believe how our laws protect people such as these? Are not our children supposed to be protected?? Children are innocent and us adults are to look after and help them grow up safe in all areas of their lives. This being one of the most important I feel. To protect them from people such as this man. This is an outrage!!!

Add a comment

Hide comments

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.