March 30, 2005

Sex Offender Solicits 9-Year-Old Girl At Church

WEST VIRGINIA
WVNS

Story by Josh DeVine Email | Bio

It was a note featuring a cartoon character on the front and an invitation for sex inside.

Detectives say 53-year-old Robert James Duke walked into the Church of God in Liberty Addition and sat down behind a unidentified 9-year-old girl.

Duke's registry on the State Police Web site spells out his prior crimes, including 10 counts of sexual abuse and sexual assault on three boys.

The church's pastor, speaking exclusively with West Virginia Media said he knew about the man's past and that parishioners watched closely over his actions and interactions with children.

That foresight saved the innocence of the 9-year-old girl.

Harrison County Prosecutor Joe Shaffer said a man sitting next to the young girl saw what Duke had written. Shaffer said he instantly took the note from the girl before she had a chance to read it.

Posted by kshaw at March 30, 2005 07:17 AM