Mandy Skarpa is accused of having consensual sex with a 14-year-old boy.
Posted on 06/20/2003 11:40:28 AM PDT by chance33_98
Day care operator accused of having sex with 14-year-old boy
Mandy Skarpa is accused of having consensual sex with a 14-year-old boy.
By Andy Cerota ABC13 Eyewitness News
(6/19/03 - ROSENBERG) — A Rosenberg woman who runs a day care out of her home has been charged with indecency involving a teenage boy. Now it's up to the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Department to investigate, but she's married to one of their own.
Although her husband works for the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Department, Mandy Skarpa's husband is not involved in the investigation at all.
Neighbors describe her as a good woman and a good mother. With regards to the allegations that have been brought to light, it's the last thing they say they ever expected.
"I'm just shocked at her, because, I mean, I thought she was a good friend and a good neighbor," said Glenda Toll. "You know, so I'm just amazed."
Toll says she was stunned after learning that Skarpa, her 38-year-old neighbor, was arrested for allegedly having sex with a teenager -- a 14-year-old boy believed to be someone she knew very well.
"I had all the faith and trust. Matter of fact, she even kept my kids overnight one night. I'm just shocked," Toll told Eyewitness News.
Skarpa is out of jail, but her troubles are far from over. The allegations she's faced with could cost her her license as a day care provider, which means Children's Protective Services could shut down the center which she's run from her home for years.
Fort Bend County Sheriff's Department Chief Craig Brady said, "We have no information that indicates that she was doing anything inappropriate while there were any other young people around. Most of the activities have taken place after the day care clients have gone home"
Authorities arrested Skarpa on June 11, after being tipped off about the alleged relationship. Investigators say Skarpa and the teen have known each other for some time, and got together on numerous occasions at several different locations.
"So far the investigation indicates that it was consensual. However, legally a 14-year-old cannot consent," explained Chief Brady.
Neighbors who've known Skarpa and her family for years are having a tough time believing the allegations.
"I would doubt seriously that would happen," said Bill Fox. "Number one, there are too many people there, always. How would she find time to have an inappropriate relationship?"
Officials with Children's Protective Services tell Eyewitness News that Skarpa has voluntarily shut down her day care center which has been in operation since 1991. Authorities are still investigating the allegations. Once the investigation is complete, the charges will likely be referred to a grand jury.
What double standard crap! If she were a man she'd be going away for 15-30.
And the boys in the neighborhood say she aint too bad either...
I agree. Said something similar on the last pedophile tread. A 14 year old girl gets molested and it is a crime. A 14 year old boy gets molested by a man, and it causes an earthquake.
But watch all the 'nudge-nudge-wink-wink-atta-boy's' pile up on this thread.
The justice system looks that at it that way too though. How much you want to bet this woman, if it's her first offense gets a slap on the wrist, maybe probation? If the situation were reversed, it wouldn't matter, he'd be gone.
Skarpa is out of jail, but her troubles are far from over.
I may be wrong here, but wouldn't a guy be kept in jail for raping a 14 year old, with our without consent? The main concern is a repeat incident before the case goes to trial. I can't imagine a guy being left on the street. Perhaps they are.
The allegations she's faced with could cost her her license as a day care provider, which means Children's Protective Services could shut down the center which she's run from her home for years.
Perhaps this is just presented as information, but it almost sounds as if it's and indication it would be a shame if this had to happen. Well, no it wouldn't if she is guilty. Again, my take may be too sensitive.
Fort Bend County Sheriff's Department Chief Craig Brady said, "We have no information that indicates that she was doing anything inappropriate while there were any other young people around. Most of the activities have taken place after the day care clients have gone home"
I'm sure this is reassuring to the parents of the children staying at her center. It seems to me if this was a guy they'd say something like, "...at this point we just don't know if more children have been involved in inproper behavior or not." It almost sounds as if a minimalist is trying to lessen the impact of this woman's charge, never a first concern if a man is the person charged.
"So far the investigation indicates that it was consensual. However, legally a 14-year-old cannot consent," explained Chief Brady.
I'm not convinced that if this were a guy, they'd even mention consent.
Once the investigation is complete, the charges will likely be referred to a grand jury.
Perhaps it's smart to have the case handed over to a grand jury in light of her husbands position. Once again it does seem somewhat odd that a grand jury would be involved here. I doubt many men have faced a grand jury over this charge. The local DA goes balistic, the media catches wind of it and the guy is casterated before sundown.
Not to belittle the seriousness of the charge, but why would an "allegation" cost her her license?
And the girls know it too. When I was that age they all wanted the older guys.
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