" No one is blaming her. She is not at fault. Im sure putting him behind bars has sent a clear message to her that what happened between the two of them was wrong, and Im sure by her own words that she was upset with her parents for doing it. We know that everyone has done what they thought was best. Punishment was necessary and so are amends as well as forgiveness in order to move forward. All we are saying is that we support him and his recovery. I have witnessed others who have recovered and I have faith that he will recover as well. We also support her and her recovery for all crimes that have been committed against her as well. We also pray that she will not harm others either physically or emotionally because of the scars that have been left on her by others as well as by Dan. Please stop the cycle NOW before it is way too late and others are injured. The following comment is not meant for the girl or any of my family, because I KNOW they all already feel this. I also pray that someday people will be able to be honest with themselves, others and GOD and take ownership of their own responsibility in this event. Not feel guilt, but at least some remorse for their own actions as well. Remember folks, what you read in the papers is not always the full story. "

" Since you were in the courtroom and heard his response to the sentence you would know that what he really said was, This sentence makes me feel like doing the things I did in my past, like drinking and doing drugs, but I wont do that because I am working the steps of the program to change my life. He said nothing about being with her again or any other girl. Apparently your emotions kept you from hearing that. Any victim of anything, that has healed, knows that they have had to forgive the person who hurt them. They do not have to forgive the action you are right. I feel sad for the girl myself and pray that she gets the help that she needs to deal with what happened to her so that the cycle does not repeat (read as victims hurting victims.) Again, may God be there for all parties involved. And, while you are praying know that God is there for even the guilty. Just so you know no one said anything hurtful about her. We only said her life is probably not so easy either, and unfortunately these two were introduced to each other and quite possibly emotionally consoled each other and then unfortunately it went too far. In fact, with what I have said, I hope she reads it because I want her to know we understand her pain, and just want her to find comfort through counseling. Please dont let her get lost I have a feeling that YOU beenthereandu can help with that. Get her help. "

" Just because a girl has a grown womans body and may act flirty does not mean she "Knows what she is doing" Thats like when a little girl asks her father or grandpa to marry her....she is INNOCENT. Now she probably has to go to school and try and be normal and face teasing and judgement.He gets to sit protected from the public. Are you people challenged or what? He has it easy compared to her. SHE did not sneak out to see him, if you follow the story... HE was in HER house. Ask yourselves, how do you think he got in? HMM...maybe he PRETENDED(AKA Manipulated) to like the mom...HMMM...gained her trust....mistakes may have been by the parents...but his action was not a mistake, oops i am going to commit a selfish, EVIL act... my sadness made me do it....please forgive me. I would never open my arms to him... and welcome him in my home. the mother did that and look what happened. He will always have these urges there is no cure. I hope he can control them in the future but I doubt it He said that the sentence made him want to reoffend....Nothing I say is going to make him reoffend or fail...he already did that.... Oh! and this was not her first???? What? she has been RAPED before? so now it is her fault for getting raped again?....I forgive you people who are saying these things. However, I don't have to forgive him to sleep at night. I'll sleep better at night when sexual predators are off the street. Maybe he has done some things right in his life, still HIS ACTIONS WERE THAT OF A PREDATOR .... He WANTED TO COMMIT THE CRIME HE CHOSE TO RAPE HER Shame on you people for saying these things about an innocent child...how do you think it will make here feel if she reads your BS????What if it were his daughters?? Most likely she already blames herself, which she should not! The victim should not have to forgive the action, the action should not done in the first place period. Dear Lord, please let the innocent be at peace....Dear Lord please help me to find away to make true justice be served in the futute and to protect children everywhere from evil. Dear Lord help me have the strength not to lose my temper Amen "

" Ok. So If I get this correct, after his sentencing and calculating, I see that Dan will get out of prison at about the age of 50. That is my major "gut check." Fifty years with no life to move on. Mistakes are made and past history might play a role in this event. I would have hoped that he would follow his grandfather and grab his bootstraps and pull them up tight and move on from this. I am a little upset to see all others trying to make Dan and Tinas father's tradgedy a reason for their actions. I too have experienced this. I am very concerned that understanding their consequences that we would treat Dil, Dev, C in a soft glove manner, and not learn from our history. They are the most important people that we need to worry about and use this to teach them about being open with our problems. A "call out" to all the girls... It is time to realize that sometimes being tough is good.
We all remember trying to cover for Danny. We did things we probably wouldn't have done and enjoyed his company (aka..."you want some ice cream?" We have stuck our neck out to help him, to encourage him, to befriend him. He chose not to reply. I feel really bad in this situation, but I cannot dwell in this and use this as an excuse for the "coming generation." Ok, so let's put this into perspective, it is very unfortunate that Danny experienced his fathers death. At least he knew his father and knew who he was and knew what he liked to do. We all know, including Danny, that his fathers death was not his fault. It was an unfortunate circumstance that nobody can explain. Understandibly, Danny lived without a father and you could see it in his eyes every day you looked at him. I extended myself more than anyone to try to befriend and help him. He did not see my extended hand or he chose not to accept it. His sister was very upset that we could not help each other or be close.
Unfortunately there is nothing I or anyone in the family can do. What is done is done, and all we can do is pray that we do not experience this again. And keep our eyes open for tendencies that might alert us to future problems or future indescrepencies.
May God and our family before us, guide us and help us.
D "

" Seeing as though i have truly seen both sides of this terrible story I believe that it is also my time to put in my 2 small cents on this subject.

In one sense I believe that the accusations made on this man have been justified by the courts. He did commit an unthought of crime by many who have there morals straight. There is no excuse for what he did and as stated above he admits to it. Seeking leniency, in my opinion is not his motive in that statement. Im assuming that all of you are not perfect. If you think you are.. Sorry this does not apply to the ignorant. Assuming that you are not perfect there has to have been a time in your life where you have done something and said... O my, i can no believe I did that. Whether it be drivng like an idiot, disrespecting someone, disobeying the law, etc. we have all done it. The admittance to it was derived by that example. I dont believe he believes he did it. Buthey, We are all human and we make mistakes. We also all have lived with the consequences and that is what he has to do now.

On the other hand, I see where the family is coming from. Why? Because that said sister is my mother. My uncle has not been one of the closest family members i have had, but i know who he is. When i heard about the incident. I resented him to no end because all of us, young or old worry about our children, friends, or family becoming a victim to this act. To think that i was around him made me wonder.

Im not going to sit here and tell you he did nothing wrong. We all agree at least on the fact that he did. Losing loved ones when you are young does affect you. For 27 years,I dont know if it screw with your head emotionally? Possibly, but i have not lived that long to see that effect and unfortunately what you all think, he thinks, could be wrong. He is the only one who knows what he is thinking.

My statement, is that you should not judge. Seeing that you all are talking about god.. I assume you believe in the fact that he knows what we do. In saying that, i will follow with everything that happens, happens for a reason. Whether it be good or bad. It happens and you are forced to deal with it. This pain that he has caused himself, i believe will help him. Cuz in the time of need and doubt, and when you are faced with something this dramatic. The only thing that you can do, is look up. I know that he believes in god, and i know that he cares about his family,and i know that he hurt them. But i know that he knows that he can change.

If you knew this man you would know that he is not such a horrible man. He got into the wrong things and adapted to his surroundings. doesnt everyone? But I do hope he changes.

As for the little girl. I feel very horrible for her and her family. I hope it will not happen again, and i hope that she gets help. But i also hope that this teaches her parents a lessn in parenting. Because if you followed the whole story you will know that this was not a first for her. At 13, I thought boys had cuties and i knew what genetalia was. You know what is right and wrong and even if you are the least bit worried, what do you do, you ask your parents. THe only thing you dont tell your parents are things that you absolutly know you did bad. If you you are a parent you know that. How do you sneak away from your family when you are 13? I cant and im 17 and i am also proud of that. Cuz i know that they worry and that i mean something to them. I dont mean that she does not mean anything to them. Just poor parenting is an issue hear too.

This too shall pass, and if he is who we all know him to be, he will change. But its not in our hands anymore. Its in his. "

" Truth be told olemontanaboy, I am that said sister, and yes, I do feel much guilt that I held Dan responsible for so long regarding our father. He was 10 and I was 12. Dan and I never spoke of our fathers death and what happened, for 27 years, until now. You see, my brother Dan and I were split apart emotionally when our father died. He felt responsible for it, and I didnt tell him any different. I went through my own hell when it happened, because the last thing I said to my father was I hate you, so instead of getting honest with the fact that I felt guilty for what happened and thought God took our father away because of what I said, I turned my guilt into anger at my brother. Put yourself in that position, would you have told anyone? I too was outraged when I was told what Dan had done and I wanted them to throw away the key. If you read my other writings, you will see that I too am a survivor of this crime. When it happened to me, no one knew. I was 6 years old and I didnt even know it until I was in my late 20s. That is when I remembered and started to make the connection as to why I was making the choices I had made all through my teens and into my 20s. I dont hate the men that did this to me, I forgave them a long time ago, so why did I want to throw away the key at my brother? The answer is, I was afraid. I was afraid to let go of the past, for fear of the unknown. What happened is, God brought our family together, closer than what we have ever been. It took a tragedy to break Danny and us apart, and it took a tragedy to bring us all together again. Now all skeletons are out of the closet for all of you to read and judge. But, sometimes God needs to give us a jolt in order for us to really see each other. Telling the story of my father was not a ploy for leniency, it was only to show what happened to Dan and give background to HIS life. You see, hurt people will hurt people. I only started dealing with my fathers death 10 years ago and am now only starting to find peace with it, and shame on me for not making amends to my brother earlier and reaching out to him. Maybe things could have been different, but I believe God has a plan for all of us and it took what it took to get us to this point. Dan is NOT a predator who searched out a 13 year girl because that was what he was attracted to. He was a tormented man with no tools to deal with a 10 year olds hurt. Once it was pointed out to him, he stopped and is trying to make his amends. As for the judicial systems, laws need to be passed in this country that not only offer punishment to a criminal, but mandated treatments for the victims of all tragedies, whether criminal or not. Supply support to mothers who deal with children that have lived through tragedies. 27 years ago when our dad died, no one offered support to us. They threw us a small monthly social security check and that was it. This is why hurt people, end up hurting people. In a lot of cases, they only get the treatment they need once they have committed a crime. To my mother who is definitely reading this, this is in no way your fault. You were and are the best mother a child could have. You offered tough love when needed, and did the best anyone could have done under the circumstances. God has always been working in our lives and will continue to do so. He has us all in his arms and loves us no matter what! "

" Ive been following these posts for the past week and I find it interesting that there are those that cant seem to see through their anger and that pretend to know all the facts in this particular case, just as I dont know all the facts, but I feel that I must now make a stand. The dialogue that has been started is a great thing and is exactly what needs to be done, in not only situations such as this but in all areas of our justice system.
As Momof5 has said, I too dont believe that Mkwaltrip has said anywhere that her brother, or she, were making excuses or saying that the sentence was unjust. Stating facts is not making excuses. We still dont know all of the history or information in this case and, frankly, its none of our business, other than to know that he is being punished, quite severely, it seems to me, and that his family has every intention of being there for him to encourage and support him on his journey to recovery.
If you pay attention to the article you will see that he received 16 years of federal prison time and is also serving his state time, which you would know if you followed this from the beginning. If you had any knowledge of the law, you would also be aware that, as mkwaltrip mentioned, upon completing his prison term he will most likely be in a prison of another kind upon his release. The list of rules that a convicted offender must follow is never-ending and is overwhelming, to say the least. I, for one, am grateful that his family seems to be a tower of strength and refuses to allow him to travel this path on his own, for, if he had to do that, the despair alone would cause him to fail, and yes, to put others at risk.
olemomontanaboy, I just read your last post and I just want to say that I pray you or any of your family will never have to face a tragedy in your lives because I fear that the person involved would become an outcast and be thrown to the wolves. Dont even pretend to know all the circumstances in these families lives. Its so easy for all of us to say that this or that will never happen in my family. Have you ever heard the saying, Never say never ?
We do not know everything that was said in that courtroom, we do not know the whole picture, we only know what the paper printed, and possibly only what the attorneys on each side felt compelled to present in the WAY that THEY felt it was best presented. "

" Olemontanaboy, in sharing your opinion, thank you for proving that you are in fact a Hippocratical Christian. If you look at the FACTS, people like my brother are NOT all the same, your assumption in saying so is not very rational. I never once said, nor did any other family member, nor did Dan, that we felt he didn't need to pay for his bad decisions. We never said it was an accident either."I haven't judged your sibling in this case,' is something you say, however; you shared "These viruses should be condemned to a life of isolation. So quit making excuses for these viruses and take out the trash." I find it hard to believe that that is not a judgment. He never made excuses! Don't you see that he admitted he was wrong and is accepting of his sentence, where on earth did you come up with making excuses??? Trial and error treatment, are you hearing voices in your head? If you don't want to risk the quality of today's youth, maybe you should start writing to someone about shows on TV like Girls Next Door, Manswers, and the other trash out there - or do you enjoy it too much? (Wow - I have stooped to your level, and I admit it)How can you possibly believe that 16 years isn't enough time? How can you possibly say people can't change with help? How can you be a Christian when you are living in judgment of others? Heck, you even judged people for commenting on the cat killers site because they were not worried about the same thing you were - maybe you should look at yourself a little bit here, you only seem to be worried about one thing - YOU! A leader is based on their ability to be a good person and follow through with integrity, this situation has brought him to his knees and forced him to change and find his purpose. His purpose will change other people's lives who are struggling with their addictions - he will do anything in his power to help them not make the same mistake he did by leading them to getting in touch with their inner demons. Why is that bad? You have your right to your opinion, BUT YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO JUDGE SOMEONE AND SAY THAT THEY CAN'T CHANGE - YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO SAY SOMEONE WILL ONLY LEAD THEMSELVES TO THEIR OWN DEMISE. PEOPLE LIKE YOU ARE WHY PEOPLE DON'T CHANGE!!! "

" mkwatrip- After reading the article again, I am curious. Are you the sister that blamed him for your father's death as the article states? If so, why are you coming to his defense now? Also, if you are said sister, isn't your blame of his death part of the contributing factors that lead to this situation? Like I said, I am just curious. "

" independant woman and all others---am i the only one who sees that these people are NOT making excuses for Dan. No one ever said he is serving too long of a sentence or poor Dan. Also no one is making excuses for the young girl involved. People are simply trying to show us that Dan had some problems and is working on them to make himself a better person. I certainly hope that a situation like this never happens to your family--people need to support each other at a time like this--even if someone does a bad thing. Both Dan and the young girl need support during this period. Please stop cruicifying Dan--he's serving his sentence I'm sure more than what any of us will ever know. "

" Independantwoman, I was simply trying to say that maybe this was God's way of getting two people who needed some help in their lives to hit rock bottom, and seek that help. Everything happens for a reason. Dan made a bad decision, bad decision does not equal predator. He will always live with that "label." And that doesn't make him a monster. When I said she may have had some serious things going on her life, just maybe there is a chance that she was seeking some comfort she wasn't getting. Yeah - he made a bad decision, but that doesn't mean it wasn't part of God's plan to help both people involved grow to become better people. The justice system is not just. Just like a woman who kills her husband who is beating her, there are other situations that deserve the same type of understanding. The woman should not be considered a murderer no more than Dan should be considered a predator. "

" MkWaltrip- Thank you for making me an argument point in your rant. I do not think you are thinking rationally. You are filled with emotion and not keeping your composure. If you look at the FACTS of people like your relative, you will see that they are much different than you preceive. One can't simply make the same mistake five times and still say that it was an accident. Like I previously mentioned, he knew this girl was under the age of consent and yet he still did those behaviors that knew the consequences. If a person knows of the consequences, they should learn to expect them. I haven't judged your sibling in this case. I have said it before, I am frustrated with this system because I think your brother needs harsher punishment as do all other sexual PREDATORS. He preyed on this child because he saw her as weak and lost and he manipulated it into an inappropriate relationship. What says he can't be friends with the girl. Was it a necessity for him to have affairs with her to that level? He is making excuses. As for your brother getting a trial and error treatment, I find that as a ludacris idea. He has played his cards. He will have his day to justify his behaviors when he stands before god. I do not want to risk the quality of life of todays youth in hope that your brother chooses to not prey on them. He has proven that he is a threat to society by his actions. The facts in the case prove his is willing to have that kind of a lifestyle because he did that on numerous occasions. He needs to spend the remainder of his life away from anyone he can pose a threat to. Whether that be in prison or in a detention center. I am not willing to jeopardize the life of my child, grandchild, or great grandchild with the empty hope that your brother and those like him are able to control themselves. They have proven that they can't control themselves, so it is in the best interest of the majority of society that the judicial systems steps in an controls those people. My beef with this notion is that they need to be more controlling and assertive with these individuals. If your brother is a proven leader. He should have been able to avoid this situation. I feel the only thing he can lead is himself to his own demise. "

" This is in response to MkWaltrip...I appreciate your opinion, really I do. And you make some valid points. However your downplaying one MAJOR point. That girl was only 13 years old!! 13!! So don't try and convince us that she was mature or capable of making a decision on her own, let alone try and moralize what Dan did because "she had serious things going on in her life, or they rescued each other!" Thats a disgusting excuse. Yes, I know she had some things going on, however Dan PREYED on that, and USED that for his advantage!! That is why he is a PREDATOR, nothing more, that is how they work. NO EXCUSES!! "

" To those of you willing to see both sides, THANKS! To my family members who have proved their strength in the previous few months, I thank God for carrying us. All of us, including my brother Dan. To all of you who feel the need to label, especially olemontanaboy who is a Christian, you in fact are saying that a specific label can be slapped on anyone! It is like saying every stripper sleeps around, every blonde is stupid, every president is a liar, every ex spouse is spiteful, every rapper is a thief, every Christian is a hippocrate, every athlete uses steroids, every inner city school has a drug problem, every wealthy person is satisfied, every towel head in an airport is a terrorist! Come on people!!!!!! Dan will have to live with the label of predator for the rest of his life. Not every person who commits a sex crime is a predator. Not every person who goes to prison for a crime is faking remorse. Not every single one of them is guilty of whatever crime has put them there. Each one of them are capable of turning their lives around - how dare you say they are a lost cause! Dan will serve his prison sentence, and he will take that time to continue his own development, he will continue making amends to those people in his life he sees fit. HE WAS MAKING AMENDS FOR WHAT HE DID - AND THAT IS WHY HE IS IN PRISON, NOW IF HE WAS NOT WILLING TO FACE HIS DEAMONS DON'T YOU THINK HE WOULD HAVE KEPT HIS MOUTH SHUT?! HE KNEW EXACTLY WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN TO HIM. This is obviously a never ending debate - I challenge you to think outside the box, and if you can't - may God Bless You. You know what? There are predators in Pennsylvania too - they are all over the world, and they deserve a chance. Some of them will fail, but many will succeed. The ones that fail, will fail because they have no one to turn too, no one to help them face their deamons, and neighbors who won't look at them - how then do you expect them to change! My brother will have many many many people waiting for him with open arms when he walks out those prison doors, just as God is already welcoming him with open arms as we speak - God will never turn his back on someone who seeks him, so don't think your are doing the right thing by turning your back. When Dan is released he WILL have a hard time. He will need to start a new life with no money in his pocket, with a LABEL, he will have a hard time getting a job, he will have people probably send him nasty letters, or maybe even threatening him or breaking his windows - but he will be surrounded by so many loving, God fearing, Christian people and he will be FINE, unlike so many others who are forced to commit a crime again so that way they can go back to prison and have a place to live. Dan will be back with his beautiful children. Dan was told he was not allowed to be in the same house with anyone under the age of 18 without government consent, and I tell you what - By that time I will have children who are still under 18 and they are going to get to see their Uncle - I will see to it, his probation officer will be giving him permission. Wether you can believe it or not, Dan is a leader because he has mastered the art of self leadership, discovered his purpose in life, and will pursue it with both feet running and your words won't change that. Dan's got a lot of integrity and he will use God's will to help change other suffering peoples lives. You will not be the voice that makes him give up and prey again because that is what society expects. I happen to know victim's of sexual abuse myself, and I know that they spent 30 years of their life suffering - you know how they healed? Forgiveness. I in no way lessen the young girls victimization by saying that - I feel for her and I pray she is healed - but has anyone thought about her feelings toward Dan through all of this? Have you ever considered that maybe there were some serious things going on her life too that brought the two of them together - maybe it was to save each other?!?!?! If she has the ability to not come on here and attack him, maybe you shouldn't either. I love Dan, I will support him till the end - maybe you could think about the people you might be hurting as you write. Maybe just maybe, as a Christian, you could say something like, "I will pray for everyone involved, because that is what God wants me to do." Or are you going to continue to choose to hurt people just so your opinion can be heard - don't be a hippocratical Christian! A lot of people in this case have been affected - we have suffered feelings of pain, hurt, grief, regret, fear, and anger all at once. Be who God wants you to be, a witness and supporter of healing and respect. If your words are hurtful - don't bother saying it. If all you are going to say is that he is a lost cause - you are severely wrong. Don't make assumptions, and say something meaningful instead. "

" Ladyjj- I can't help but feel disgusted when people come up with the excuse that they were born to be a predator and couldn't help themselves. Many people are born with impulses for certain things. Some are born prone to be alcoholics or drug abusers, yet many of those individuals do not become that because they show restraint. Claiming to have a "disorder" is not a viable excuse. Everyone has disorders. Most people have disorders in some form of their lives or another. The difference between your relative and the rest of the law abiding society is that we make the CHOICE to give into those impulses or refrain because we know it is wrong. Your relative knew what he was doing was wrong and yet continued down that path. He was not born to be a predator. He chose to become one. "

" momof5girls-- Yet again, thank you for your comments on my opinion. I don't think you quite realize what I am trying voice. I am not condemning this specific person that is on trial. Yes, the trial might have more information than what is being turned out to the public. I totally agree that the paper continuously takes things out of context, rearranges it, and turns that misinterpreted information to the public. What I am saying is our system is at fault here. The methods we tried to use in the past of rehabilitating sexual predators is not working. Also, the idea of putting a predator behind bars for 15 years with 10 years suspended is a joke. The reason why I find it a joke is because most assaults go unreported. The last 10 years of my example sentence only allows the predator to prey on the public until he or she gets caught. The likely hood of a child reporting abuse is very slim. I think that we need to make harsher sentences to tell predators "hey, we are tired of you manipulating our society. We are not scared of you, and we will see retribution from you if you prey on any of our public youth". We also need to regulate where these individuals can live. In my neighborhood there are several predators right down my street. I live within walking distance of a school, daycare, and bus stop. I am assuming by your name that you have 5 daughters. How would you like a sexual predator being able to move in right behind your daughters' daycare or across the street from their school? When I researched this, I found it hard to stomach to know that the state and federal governments actually are to blame for allowing that person to live in that house/apartment/condo. The law tells landlords that they can not discriminate against predators. If they fulfill the requirements of the courts, they can live where they please. Those law abiding citizens of that specific neighborhood can do nothing against that predator moving in next to them. They can only try and avoid them, educate their children on material that might be too old for them, and monitor that person as best as possible. Now, you are eager to offer a "think about it" notion in this case. I don't see it your way. He had relations with a minor. He admitted to it. He knew it was wrong at the time. He shouldn't expect a lighter punishment for working with prosecutors. He shouldn't be given a lighter sentence for saying he is sorry. Showing remorse is not a sign of change. My dog cowers when it pees on the floor. This tells me that she knew it was wrong. This doesn't tell me she wont pee on the carpet again. To ensure this predator doesn't prey again, the system needs to stiffen up. It is no mystery why so many predators are moving into our state. They see the courts as being soft. Soft on prosecution, sentencing, and follow up (probation). I am tired of hearing about a predator from Washington moving to Montana. Some of the most serious predators in Montana history moved in from other states. Bar Jonah was from out of state and the courts allowed him to move to Great Falls to live with his mother because he fulfilled the requirements of the courts. The most prolific and common one in our recent history is Duncan. He came from California and Idaho. I know his crimes were committed in Idaho, but he carried them into Montana. These people don't simply go to prison and stop what they do. They go to prison, possibly survive, and then move to a different area so they can start over and prey again. As a parent myself and you being a parent, I would expect you to look at the issue as "what would I do if this person was preying on my child". I would press the courts for more consequences. Use the individuals in these cases today as a spring board into the future to tell all predators that we have had enough. We have played around long enough and now they are going to be punished. I too am a god-loving christian. I know that a day of judgement will come on us all when we will have to report for our sins. I too can only pray for the victims in these cases that these assaults don't lead to a life of sin and negativity. As for the predators, they have played the card they were dealt and now are left to wait to be judged for their severe sins they have committed on the innocent. "

" It is sad to read the comments and realize we are so far from where we need to be in getting beyond labeling someone. Until society as a whole gets in tune with what leads a person down a path such as this or any crime for that matter we will fail those who need the help to escape the inner prison that they are within. Do you really think Dan wanted to take the path he did? You want to believe that he did because you don't want to acknowledge that mental illness/disorders come in various forms to include drug and alcohol illnesses and that it does come into play on how that individual processes thoughts and actions. I suggest that those of you who are not familar with the causes and effects of disorders become educated as it could happen to anyone, we get so caught up in the label that we forget these individuals are human beings as well. You don't know the background and life of Dan and before anybody jumps down my throat I am not saying that it makes it right what he did - I am associated with him by blood and I will stand by him as will the rest of the family, we are a family that does not put someone out to pasture because they have lost their way. And for those of who you who are raising the flag because you were a victim of a sexual crime and are lashing out at him indicates to me that you have not moved beyond your experience..you have festered a hate and anger, which is unfortunate for you because it takes alot of energy to be angry and hate someone when you can use that energy for a more purposeful life. Sexual crimes come in various degrees and the people that commit them are fighting their own battles - they don't WANT to commit them, but becuase of their battles that they are having with a mental illness/disorder that sometimes they don't even realize they have the battle going on inside of them, so the answer is not to throw them in jail and throw away the key. The answer is to get to the root of the cause and give them the help they need to overcome the behavior and recognize and heal what it is that drives them down the wrong path.
And yes I can sit here and say I do know what its like to be receiptant of a sexual crime..because I have been down that road and it doesn't matter what age the act occurs it is traumatic for the victim but in order to put your life back on track you will at some point have to forgive the person or you will be forever stuck in the hate/anger mode. It by no means is an easy task to forgive and it won't be overnight, but you will never get there if you don't take that first step. I challenge you to make a difference in your own life that if someone hurt you, offended you in one way or another work toward forgiving that person, you will be amazed at how much lighter you will feel, god works in mysterious ways..and no I have not all my life been a church going women living my life by the bible, I am still work in progress.. as I was angry at god from the time I was young - I had my mother ripped from me by cancer and I couldn't understand why, I still don't but I do know this..god enters your life when you least expect it,sometimes at your lowest point when you have nothing and no one else to turn to when you are going through the most horrifc event in your life and he shines his light and sends you a sign that he has heard your cry, at that moment you know you no longer alone, that someone else is there to carry your pain, it will blow you away because you can't deny its the creator of us all. It dropped me to my knees and my life was forever changed and I continue to be amazed at the signs I am given, and I turned my life over to him, does that mean you forever won't go through hard times, no, but it does mean God will never leave your side, and he utilizes events in your life to open another door of lessons at a time when he feels you are ready to learn them. I have gotten way off track of why I initially started this comment, but I do believe God is at the wheel and just wants me to get this one message across to all who are having trouble with the act of the crime committed. It is not for us to judge but to work together toward healing those that are afflicted with a disorder, and to heal those who are the victims. We have a responsiblity to be a part of the solution in a constructive way. Take the challenge of becoming a vessel for God to work through it and pay it forward..forgive the person as you would want to be forgiven..lets stop the cycle of hate/anger..hate/anger is what breeded IRAQ, hate/anger is what breeded 9/11, To feel hate/anger over this crime or any crime for that matter is what will breed another generation of non productive useless energy that serves no purpose..listen to the song by Brandon Heath "Give me your Eyes" then take a look in the mirror and see the changes you need to make in your life and your heart.
Take the Challenge.. "

" Olemontanaboy--I can understand your frustration. If you think about it long enough your co mments would relate to all kinds of crimes committed. Murder, identity theft, carjackings, extra-marital affairs...the list could go on. Who is to say that one is so different from another. In all cases lives are always changed. I would not want to be a kid in these times. This is a different time to grow up in. Kids have cell phones, internet, blackberries, several sets of parents...again the list could go on. They have the young,rich and famous kids whose lives play out on tv in front of their impressionable eyes. Have you seen tv shows lately--?? Even I cover my eyes or switch the channel in case the neighbors peek in the windows. Kids don't have a whole lot to rely on for role models. All I am trying to say is that it is difficult to place blame when we do not know the facts in the case. I wholeheartedly agree--if you are a scumbag then you don't deserve anything. However, just the different articles I've read about this particular case make me think. In this recent paper article you are made to believe he is trying to give an excuse by saying his dad died. As sure as I know the sun will rise in the morning I am sure that the courts were trying to give him a "background" so to speak. That is what goes on in a court room. Both sides attempt to make a person "real". Everyone reads into it and then says "my dad died and I didn't do that--therefore he needs to suffer" None of us were there so none of us know under what circumstances this was even discussed. Maybe someone said "so i hear your dad died" and he replied "yes he drowned while we were boating". My point being we do not know. We are entitled to our own opinions and should be able to respectfully discuss this with one another as we are. I find it difficult to choose to label someone I know nothing about. I pray that both families have the strength to get through this time of their lives because they will need it. We all have proved that we are all opinionated, some of us are just a little more tactful about it. "

" Ok, lets take this time to educate ourselves. There are very sick people out there that prey on those that are innocent. As olemontanaboy stated there are websites out there. In fact I encourage everyone to look at this one.

http://www.doj.mt.gov/svor/searchlist.asp?County=Lewis+%26+Clark&City=&Zip=&NameLast=&OffenderType=SX

In Lewis and Clark County there are #100 listed sexual offenders. Of course there are many more out there that have not gotten caught yet.

Some simple rules for everyone to follow.

Know where your children are at all times. They won't like it, but your not their friend your a parent.

Know who your neighbors are. Know who your children are friends with. And by all means...educate them. Let them know that its ok to say "NO!" "

" -momof5girls, thank you for commenting on my remarks and I am writing to further explain why I feel he got leniency. First, I have not been in prison and nor do I plan on ever being a resident, but I do feel strongly in the issue because it is becoming more and more of an issue. I am not going to do the typical thing and get upset at the girl's parents or upset with the person in the case. All my anger and the anger of society will not change what has happened. I am frustrated with the system we are using to handle these types of situations. Almost daily you hear about how these grown people are sexually abusing these children. It then comes time for sentencing and they get minor sentences in comparison to the crime committed. These individuals are a virus to society. They control, manipulate, and deprive their victims of the childhood you so vividly remember. It is these types of people that force our children to grow so quickly in life as you so mentioned. It is these types of people that have forced today's society to no longer trust his or her neighbor, lend a helping hand, or to be able to show affection to their children. These people are worthless forms of society. In the field of agriculture, if you have livestock that is turning out poor offspring that could weaken the species, you get rid of the faulty mother. Child predators are able to reproduce. Many victims eventually become predators themselves. They believe that they can steal the childhood from another to replace the one that was stolen from them. To end this trend we need to adjust the system we are using. This may result in more severe punishments (put to death for repeated offenders), longer jail sentences, and no years suspended on sentences. The final change that should take place is the areas that these offenders should be able to live. I find it ironic that a convicted sex offender can live where they please. They have to obide by court regulations, but can live anywhere if they fulfill those requirements. The neighbors of these individuals do not have any say whether a sexual predator can live next to them or their child's school. These individuals should have to seek approval from all neighbors before they can rejoin society because the rights of the general, law abiding society is being taken away so that a convicted predator can live in an area. I challenge anyone to look up registered offenders in their area. It is shocking! It is shocking to see how many live next to daycares, schools, and parks. These viruses should be condemned to a life of isolation. They have played their hand as they wished and need to have harsh consequences. They should be issued an area to live. They should be told if they can not live in that area that they will remain in prison. These viruses are not worthy of joining our society. They need to be separated from the law abiding society to ensure our safety and recreate the childhood you and I enjoyed for our future generations. So quit making excuses for these viruses and take out the trash. "

" i've been reading all of the comments and wanted to know if anyone considered all the facts in the case. we have only been told what the papers report. i'm sure that there are details that have been left out, just as there are details that we do not know about Daniel and the young girls life. I would suggest that some of you take a good hard look at your own lives first before you stomp all over someones elses you know nothing about. I find it hard to believe u have nothing in your lives that u are ashamed of. Have you lived your life so perfectly? Being a mother myself I think that you will support your children no matter what and love them. I'm sure it was difficult for Daniels mother to be there just as i'm sure it was difficult for the girls mother to be there. Congratulations to all of you who have made the most of your lives and who are also victims. Unfortunately not every one is strong enough to be like you. This is a sad story and even sadder that there are more stories just like this one. Hold onto your children tight because they grow up fast, not just in age, but in life. Being a child is not like it was when we were kids 25 years ago. we grow up too fast in all kinds of ways. Olemontanaboy--you say he has leniency? i assume you have never been in prison. Angelwatching--you speak as if you know Daniel. I assume you do not. BigP--I'm sure that you are not a relative so you should not write as though you know these people. We all should remember that lives have been changed for both of these families and maybe we should mind our own business. "

" B4 casting stones you all should get your stories straight. Until you know all the circumstances and what really happened, I would think twice before crucifying him and labeling. Again, no one said that Dan was not in the wrong, but how would you know that he didn't admit his mistake and was forthcoming with all information. He was trying to correct his wrong-doing, which most people wouldn't and don't even attempt to do. And until you live or have dealt with someone with mental issues or drug and alcohol addiction, I wouldn't speak to what has and has not been done for him. My prayers go out to the families on both sides and to all those who are misinformed. "

" Say the following words to yourself, pray for the young girl that she may find peace and pray that God heal everyone involved, even Dan - That is how you can really live a purposeful life.

Make me a channel of Your peace
Where there is hatred let me bring Your love
Where there is injury, Your pardon, Lord
And where there's doubt, true faith in You

Oh, Master, grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love with all my soul

Make me a channel of Your peace
Where there's despair in life let me bring hope
Where there is darkness, only light
And where there's sadness, ever joy
Make me a channel of Your peace
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned
In giving to all men that we receive
And in dying that we're born to eternal life "

" To ladyjj,"Dan" knew what he was doing was wrong. Period! Dan and you cannot point to Dan being abused in order to justify his own abuse to children.If Dan was having these mental health issues did he seek help? Did the family of Dan seek help for him? Dan knew that the girl was 13, he choose to continue and go on. He did not stop himself, he did not go in and seek out help from a therapist. He did not just turn himself into law enforcement. Dan plead guilty because he is guilty. No other reason. There is no passing judgment, but there is responsibility to the children, Dan is what he is, a PREDATOR.
Miss.Angelwatching "

" All I can say is WOW. I can't believe that a person can do something this horrible and get so much leniency. What is wrong with this. For example, in todays paper, two men in our area are being sentenced for similar charges. One for possessing child pornography and one for actually acting on it. The difference in their sentences are a mere 5 years. 5 YEARS the person that had the pornography should have been sentenced to 25 years and this man to life. There is no excuse for doing this to a child. I can listen to all the boo hoo sob stories but the truth is that this man is doing everything to get off the hook. He should be shacked up with the most violent of prisoners. If he survives, he can rejoin society and be permanently under house arrest. If he doesn't survive, it would be one less offender that gets to live where they want and have all the privileges at the cost of the rights of the law abiding members of society. I say, lock him up and throw away the key. Prison Guard, do us all a favor and turn a blind eye if someone needs to get into his cell for a "Chat". "

" I too am a survivor of child molestation. What I have come to learn over the past 30 plus years is that I couldnt become free of it until I forgave my abusers, not the acts. I have learned that resentment is the acid that will eat its own container. There is no place for God when all I fester is hatred. My hope is that the child will get the help that she deserves and so badly needs. That would be the real crime if she got lost because people are misinformed that putting him behind bars will give her freedom. That is the lie here, thinking that just because justice has been served to him, that all is well and good now. Ive also learned that not every criminal is the same just because the crime is. Once a child molester, always a child molester? I dont think so. Each case is unique. No one is saying that a crime has not been committed and punishment is not necessary. Ive heard and seen that some people are constitutionally incapable of being honest with themselves. Those that can become honest with themselves, will know peace and a new way of living. I believe he is on his way to finding this new way of life and I for one will welcome him with open arms. "

" Excuse me, people, I am a survivior of abuse by a man that abused children for 50 years. Cheated the law time adn time again, made promises, cried, boo hoo'd and got off time and time again. He was someone's son, brother and friend too. I and 12 other women finally had him put away. And if any of you think that poor Dan made a single mistake and he will learn from it and be a productive part of society, you are dead wrong. Yes I will stand in judgement of this creep. Feel bad for his parents, sure, I do, I watched a father's heart break to the point of the poor man dying because the creep he raised molested at least 20 children. Did he raise him to do that, no. The bottom line here is that poor Dan is a pedaphile, he is a menace to society and no amount of jail time will cure him. There is no cure. And as far as how much of the blame that little 12-13 year old girl should share in this. What the $^(( is wrong with you people, not only is she not legally old enough to give consent, she is a child, a impressionable child. Dan was the adult, he is the one that should have guided that kid, not used her insecurity and immaturity to prey on her. Don't give me that crap about poor Dan. Talk to some survivors of this crime. Forgive, not my place to forgive, God has that ruling. Work to strengthen laws to put these predators away, I work at it every day. "

" I believe that no one knows the true story of every one's situation. The truth is not always told, and the real facts are always twisted. It is not our place to judge. Forgive the person but not the act. Just because someone pleads guilty to something, doesn't always mean they are guilty of what they are being accused of - sometimes, in the twisted justice system, it's better to plead guilty to a crime, even if it is not the way it really happened. "Enticed" means to me you forced someone, what if it was willing?? What help will someone give the young woman in this case? She obviously needs some counseling herself - are we so focused on punishing someone that she will get lost in the justice system?? I understand that his actions were wrong, he was the adult, and he does need to serve some time for that in order to turn his life around, but that doesn't mean the whole truth was reported....it is in God's hands. As for the man's mother, I don't believe she was looking to give excuses for what he did, but rather to give a reference as to who he was - he may not be a predator, sometimes there are unique situations out there. Shame on us for judging people - it's not up to us. None of us would ever know what we would do in a situation until we are there. I know I probably made all of you angry and I will not be surprised when you send back your harsh responses. Freedom of speech.... "

" What is it with you people who think you are experts on the effects and causes of tragedy and the inpact it has on peoples lives?
Don't get me wrong Dan was wrong for making a serious lack of judgement in the decisions he made. Bravo to all of you who managed to escape going down the wrong path or did you just not get caught? The problem with many people is when something is feared or not understood, the reaction is to lash out like people have done below.. due to ignorance. What you all should be doing is taking the time to say a prayer for Dan, that he can now heal and break free of the inner prison that has held him for so long..pray for the healing that is needed for all involved, to the girl that she gets the help she needs, to the mother of the daughter that she recognizes her role in all of this, to the mother of Dan who has endured so much, and is now faced with never spending another christmas with him over the next 16 years, no celebrations of birthdays, all the things that all of us take for granted, she will have none with him, WE will not have any of that with him, he is still her son, he is still a brother, an uncle, a father, a nephew, a grandson, a cousin.
You are putting a label on him and you don't even know him, he unfortunately has been trying to fight his way back a long and tragic road for too long a time..so before you cast stones stop and think for a moment what if this was someone in your family? Would you react the same way? Would you turn your back on them? I don't think so, you would want them to get the help they need. Life is full of choices and life is full of lessons for which Dan is learning the hard way- mental illness is a seriously misunderstood disease and because of the ignorance that still exists its narrow minded comments like the ones listed below that continue to keep people in a state of misunderstanding. Dan committed a crime - he is paying for it - in more ways then you can ever imagine.. "

" My husband's dad died when he was not quite 5 years old. He was abused by not just one but two stepfathers. His mother turned him over to the state. He was bounced from foster home to foster home. He did not have the luxury of counseling. He would never even think of abusing or hurting another child. This type of behavior makes him sick to his stomach. This is just an excuse to justify one persons sick and disgusting actions!!!! "

" Oh please! I watched my dad die, so I couldn't help but rape a little girl. Nice try, but no cigar. You manipulated that little kid because you are a perverted creep. You think of nothing but yourself. Your momma needs a reality check. I feel bad for her cause it isn't easy to finaly figure out that you raised a pyschopath. But the fact is he did what he did, momma may not be to blame, but she needs to back off and let the courts do their job. If and when he gets out, she needs to warn people not to allow him around their children. To bad he can't be branded with a big X on his forehead. "

" He disgusts me! We have all had challenges in our life that we must overcome. Those challenges do not normalize criminal behavior. But that girl knew what she was doing and her parents should be held just as responsible for allowing her to be in close intimite contact with a 31 year old man. "

" His father died and it made him a pervert? sorry i'm not seeing the correlation.

Oddly enough I didn't develop the urge to pray on children when my father died.

Sounds much more like someone grasping at straws to justify their wholly inappropriate behavior.

At least we can take comfort in knowing those will be some seriously long years considering how well other inmates like pedophiles. "

" I would still like to know why the mother and father let there 13 year old girl out to do drugs and then let her play with an older man for over a year. I think the parents are still at fault and should be accountable as well. As for the predator, we can only hope he will share a cell with bubba. "

" This is what I have been saying, people rally to the defense of these sick, twisted scumbags, making excuses for them and pleading for leniency and mercy. Did the victims ask for leniency and mercy? Was it granted? No, it was not because the act was committed. I advocate firmly that the maximum sentence for these predators be imposed and also advocate for tougher sentences,like 25 years to life. There is no reason to ever let these scumbags out of prison because they will just re-offend.The sex offender programs in prison are full and many of these people just discharge without any treatment at all.
Miss.Angelwatching "

" We dont want them in Iraq. They arent even good enough for that. "

" The guy is a PREDATURE! And like other children havent had a tough life? He doesnt need a jail cell, he needs a toe tag. "

" As I sit here reading this story, I am trying my hardest to answer one question. What in the world was a 13 year old doing and a Narcotics Anonymous Meeting? Aren't these meetings separated by ages? One meeting for adults and one for children? Wouldn't that be a little more appropriate? I think the idea of the support group is wonderful....but lets take people with an addiction, and give them something else! NOT REAL SMART!!!! "

" I am so tired of people blaming thier wrong doings on a bad childhood, or a tragedy. Unless you had horrible parents, teachers, etc. We are ALL taught right from wrong! "Keep your hands feet and objects to yourself," I remember being taught this is Kindergarten. I remember my mother teaching me the word "NO!" Even if I was depressed, or dealing with typical childhood stressors, my mother was there to comfort me. But she was also there to say "but..." There is a way to discipline your children and feed them the self esteem that they need. Quit trying to be your childs friend...be a parent! One of the most tragic incidences in this country is Columbine. I think we would have had a different outcome if those parents would have been parents. If it were my son tinkering around in the garage at 2 am in the morning, you bet I would have been out there wondering what in the hell he was doing. I would have told him NO! "

" As tragic as his personal life may have been, he is an adult and is subject to being held accountable for his adult actions. Besides, what about the tragedy now bestowed on this young child. Same on you..... "

" Oh goodie, another boo hoo story!

How many children had a rough childhood and did not hurt and took the innocence of a young girl!

Maybe we should just put him, the other man who was just sentenced because of nasty child pics, and the three cat killers and send them to Iraq! "