A decade ago, a Florida sheriff went after a Colorado 'author' who penned a controversial book considered a "how-to" guide for pedophiles. It's worth recalling this case, in part because it reminds us why we don't give up.
First, Phillip Greaves of Pueblo attracted widespread attention by writing "The Pedophile's Guide to Love and Pleasure: A Child-Lover's Code of Conduct."
Then, Amazon.com was criticized for selling the book on its website.
Then, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd arrested Greaves under an obscenity statute after detectives bought and received a copy of the book through the mail.
Greaves was extradited to Florida to face charges, ultimately pleading 'no contest' to a charge of distributing obscene material depicting minors engaged in harmful conduct.
Greaves served the sentence in Colorado and did not have to register as a sex offender.
But here's the 'take away' in this story:
Judd said he was frustrated that Greaves' book was protected under freedom of speech laws, even though it was created "specifically to teach people how to sexually molest and rape children."
"There may be nothing that the other 49 states can do, but there is something that the state of Florida can do ... to make sure we prosecute Philip Greaves for his manifesto," Judd said.
Why is this significant? Because it shows what just one determined law enforcement official can do.
So if you feel helpless at times, act anyway.
If you think "My police chief/state representative/district attorney probably won't do anything anyway," banish that thought and pick up the phone.
The person who answers it might just be another Sheriff Judd. And a bad guy (or woman) may face justice because of your call.
(If you're unsure about how or whether to call police or prosecutors about sexual violence - known or suspected - call us at Horowitz Law. We'll be glad to listen and give you our best advice, for free.)