I must therefore use the word "alleged" regarding this sordid story. Because heaven forbid I should libel my 77-year-old former colleague, who retired as the story went public two days ago.
For the record, then, Conlin is an alleged perv who allegedly violated children in ways so revolting that I can't think of a punishment harsh enough to give justice to his alleged victims.
Well, I can think of one. But baseball bats aren't supposed to be used that way.
OK, OK. I'm no proponent of vigilante justice. But, Lord forgive me, I understand the urge after reading Nancy Phillips' meticulously reported Inquirer story about Conlin's alleged sexual violation of at least four kids, including his niece.
The accusations include fondling. Genital penetration with a finger. Repeated molestation. Warnings to keep things secret.
The tale is atrocious, heartbreaking.
Gloucester County criminal prosecutors, who videotaped statements from the four last year, appear to have believed the accusers. Their frustration is palpable in an email that Gloucester County Detective Stacie Lick sent to one of them.
"We would love to see justice in this case," wrote Lick. "So many people have been victimized by this man, but our hands are tied by the law, which does not let us prosecute."
Conlin's lawyer, George Bochetto, told Phillips that his client is "floored by the accusations, which supposedly happened 40 years ago," and that Conlin wants to "vindicate his name."
But how? How can you fight such explosive charges anywhere but in a courtroom, where both accuser and accused are subject to rules of evidence?
You can't. That's why this country needs to abolish all statutes of limitation on childhood sex abuse - criminal and civil. Children need time to mature to an age where they can reckon with what was done to them and become their own advocates for justice.
