- Home
- News
- Opinion
- Letters
- Sports
- Prospecting
- Essentials
- Obituaries
- Real Estate
- Comics
- Gallery
- Classifieds
- Advertisers
- Coupons
- Contact Us
Share Article
422
833422833
CONVICTED child molester Fritz Alfred Erhardt waits to be sentenced in Department 2 Superior Court in Placerville on Monday. Democrat photo by Pat Dollins
The courtroom only had a few people sitting behind the prosecutor’s table, while the entire side of the courtroom behind Fritz Erhardt was filled. They had all come to support the Coloma man known for taking part in historical reenactments and teaching people — children included — about Marshall Gold Discovery State Park. Many had sent letters commending his character and decrying the accusations that he had molested his granddaughter. But a jury of 12 had already decided he was guilty, and the audience was there to witness his sentencing hearing on July 23.
The hearing began with Erhardt’s attorney, Eric Schlueter, making a motion for a new trial. He noted that he had not received any written opposition from deputy district attorney Jamie Verwayen. She handed Schlueter a copy and the question of whether to trail the hearing a few minutes or continue it came up. Verwayen objected to a continuance, citing that Schlueter had repeatedly filed last-minute documents over the course of the trial, but she had not required any continuances because of it.
After a short recess for Schlueter to read, the attorneys went with Judge Daniel B. Proud into his chambers. About 15 minutes later, they emerged. Schlueter argued that witnesses had been excluded, but the judge had “excluded them as lay opinions.”
Trying a different tack, Schlueter noted that there had not been any “shrink shopping” in the case. Instead, a court-appointed psychologist, Dr. Daniel Edwards, had reviewed Erhardt’s case. “I requested a second opinion,” Schlueter said. “The first (doctor) could not reach an opinion. A second was requested to analyze my client. The court declined to authorize a second doctor to prove he is not a pedophile.”
After arguing over whether a second doctor should have been utilized and whether other witnesses should have been used, Proud ultimately said, “There are no grounds for a new trial.” The sentencing hearing continued.
The judge noted he had received a petition signed by 28 individuals, many in the audience, and an additional 38 letters from others, some also in attendance, “many professing his innocence,” Proud said. He noted the probation report called for 20 years in state prison, but Erhardt had a low probability of reoffending. He had also received a letter handwritten by Erhardt, but as the District Attorney’s office had not received a copy, declined to read it as it would be ex parte communication. Schlueter provided a copy to Verwayen, and both prosecutor and judge took a few minutes to read the letter.
Audience speaks
Schlueter then argued that the audience had a right to speak, which the judge allowed, so long as what they said was not in the letters they wrote. Three of the four had sent in letters.
Jerry Mormon was first. Mormon, who works in the tour industry and owned his own tour company for 20 years, said he had known Erhardt for about the same amount of time. He said that “never, ever” in 20 years could anything Erhardt had done have been “interpreted as inappropriate with children or anybody. He’s an outstanding citizen … in programs in the Coloma community.” He said that Erhardt is of “the highest integrity” and that when children wanted photographs with Erhardt in his mountain man costume, “he always said, ‘Check with the parents, check with the teachers.’” He recommended probation or public service for Erhardt.
Next was Dennis Amaral. Amaral, who also volunteers at the state park, said that the park sees 70,000 children a year, or about 700,000 over 10 years. “Not one time,” he said, had he seen anything that could be construed as inappropriate “in any way, shape or form.” After multiple objections to Amaral’s speech, he concluded that a harsh sentence against Erhardt would mean, “More caution and less interaction with our own children.”
Darry Kreuzberg next took to the podium. He said he was dressed in a suit and tie not only to respect the court, but to respect Erhardt. The Vietnam veteran who taught inmates and was a volunteer firefighter said that “Fritz stood naked in front of 12 peers. The DA did a good job … attaching (Erhardt) to this particular crime. Kudos to the DA,” he said, saying Verwayen was skilled in a he said-she said case and that she had turned what was said into fact “without a shred of evidence.” Kreuzberg, who testified during the trial, said he was “badgered by the DA” during his testimony, and that she had “very artfully turned around what I said. She made me look like a liar and called me a liar.” He noted the Sheriff’s Department had not confiscated Erhardt’s computer, searched for child pornography or found any DNA samples. “If there’s not DNA, there’s no case,” he said. He said Erhardt’s “career is gone,” and wondered, “What happened to innocent until proven guilty?”
Two other supporters took to the stand, both professing the innocence of Erhardt, one saying she would let him look after her daughter.
A crime of opportunity
Schlueter then went over the details of the crime, saying that it was a crime of opportunity, but Erhardt had not made the opportunity; Erhardt had no criminal history; Dr. Edward’s conclusion was based on the conviction at hand; he would only be a danger in the presence of female minors; he is amiable to therapy; using his granddaughter’s hand to masturbate himself is a minor act compared to many sex crimes; he has been a model citizen of the community since 1985; he had a rating of negative three for reoffending; and this was simply a period of aberrant behavior. He asked for five years of probation, of which he argued Erhardt was eligible for, and counseling as required.
Verwayen argued that it was a “substantial sexual” act under the definition of the law. She argued against probation, as Erhardt had not followed a restraining order. She said he was not eligible. She said, “Unless he is on an island by himself,” it would be impossible to keep him out of the presence of female minors. She noted that although he was found guilty, Erhardt claimed he was a “victim of a conspiracy.” Philip Garrido also had a similar score for reoffending, she said.
“It took depravity and planning,” Verwayen said. “He snuck downstairs in the middle of the night, when no one was around.” As a member of the family, his granddaughter “looked up to him.” He had progressed through sexual acts, she said, over a period of five years, starting when the granddaughter was 7 years old. The letter he wrote, she said, was a “thinly-veiled attempt to take responsibility,” but that it “dances around” actually doing so. “To say it’s not so bad is an inappropriate argument. We don’t now the impact on the victim.”
After more arguments from Schlueter, where he again argued the eligibility for probation, Proud handed out the sentencing. After being found guilty of two counts of lewd conduct with a minor and one count of continuous sexual abuse, Proud said he disagreed with Schlueter.
“Mr. Schlueter, I disagree. These were serious acts of child molestation that went on for a substantial amount of time,” Proud said. “I do believe he showed some sophistication, going downstairs in the middle of the night. He didn’t know if she was awake. Clearly, Mr. Erhardt is the poster child of taking advantage of a position of trust.”
After reviewing the circumstances again, in which he largely agreed with Verwayen, he mostly followed the probation recommendation from Stephanie Clark, who was also in attendance. Erhardt was sentenced to 16 years in state prison, minus 157 days served, and with a 15 percent conduct credit. He was ordered to register as a sex offender and pay fines and restitution totaling more than $17,000.
The hearing concluded with Erhardt being remanded to custody of the Sheriff to be transferred to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Contact Cole Mayer at 530-344-5068 or cmayer@mtdemocrat.net. Follow @CMayerMtDemo.
The Mountain Democrat does not necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full policy
Darry KreuzbergJuly 24, 2012 - 1:01 pm
My name is Darry Kreuzberg, I was one of four people who spoke on behalf of Fritz Erhardt. I really put my foot in my mouth on my opening statement about wearing a suit and tie. I left out a very important word the word "ONLY" I meant to say that I wore a suit and tie not ONLY to show respect for the court but for my friend Fritz. I am personally delivering a letter of apology to Judge Proud
M.Faye ThomasJuly 24, 2012 - 4:11 pm
I too spoke on behalf of this fine man. I absolutely would have no qualms at all about his being in the company of or even looking after my own little girl....this has been a sham from the start without any merit or truth what so ever to the illbegotten imagined and then so deceitfully alledged charges. Because I live in TN, and Fritz is not only a dear friend of mine but is also very well liked and thought of by my family, my father sat in at trial when the rest of us could not be there...and as I was there for the sentencing, and when the prosecution had another shot at pulling out 'their big guns' to do their level best at preventing this man from having any slack thrown his way at all, they failed epically. Yes they FAILED! All over again all of us sat through and heard the GARBAGE that was told by their 'victim'. NEVER, not EVER, not so much as by the mearest, slightest, even remotely suggested hint was there one single shred of actual evidence...NONE! I can't go into detail over every point because to do so would literally cover the entire supposed trial....but here's an example for those who are not so foolishly hysterical as to go into instant attack without fact simply by hearing the word 'molester'/for those who just MIGHT be interested in the truth and find fault with a system who'd railroad and ruin a man all for a foolish childs lies: This man was given a test by a noted Dr. that indicates to what extent one may be considered a pedaphile....the test range for pedaphilia scores from 1-50 with 50 being the highest and 1 being at the very bottom of the chart of which one may show any sign of it at all....what did this man score? HIS SCORE WAS IN THE NEGATIVE NUMBERS...yes that's right...his chance at being a pedaphile was LESS THAN ZERO! Do you think this man in any way at all benefitted from having taken this test and proven his lack of any characteristics towards pedaphilia? OH NO! The very same Dr, the one that tested him and NOT just the one test but he also passed other exams, questioning, etc (no surprise for those of us who know him I assure you) put on Mr. Erhardts sentencing recomendations that he in fact felt he is a pedaphile....not because he actually is (which he isn't) but soley based on the fact that he was found guilty. REALLY? A DOCTOR examined him, tested him, he passed everything with flying colors just the way we'd expect any good red blooded American man to do....but after all that he was labled pedaphile not because he is one but because he was convicted without proof. This, my dear fellow citizens, is apparently how we 'roll' in this court. I have always very fondly recalled the many years that I lived in this county...no more. Shame on you El Dorado County.....SHAME ON YOU!
Melody LaneJuly 24, 2012 - 4:54 pm
I'm appalled by the lack of professionalism exhibited in BOTH on-line reports. First a dejected picture of Fritz is posted with no story, then a brief teaser inserted in the PR Pond the next day and now this article appears after the fact. Although I've worked with Fritz over the past 14 years in association with the Marshall Gold Discovery Park, I'm certainly no authority on the details of his personal life. The concern isn't so much his guilt or innocence--that's not inferring it isn't important--his life has been virtually demolished by this tragedy. The real issue concerning EVERY citizen is our BROKEN INJUSTICE-LEGAL SYSTEM and the unscrupulous media manipulators who stoop lower than a snake's belly for the sake of attracting readers like flies to dung heap. The public has been duped by a corrupt system that has no code of ethics and lost its sense of common decency. The media & the lawyers profit at the expense of others. Don't fall for the cheap tricks demonstrated by this tabloid SCAM.
kggJuly 25, 2012 - 8:45 am
A good man's life has been ruined. Fritz Erhardt is a victim of what passes as "criminal justice". It is a sickening example of what has happened to the court system in our county.
Um... What?July 25, 2012 - 9:23 am
Fact.. He used his granddaughter's hand to masturbate with.
Jeri Lee HicksJuly 25, 2012 - 12:21 pm
Re: Um What?....where do you get your "facts"? Before you make the same false allegations maybe you ought to do a little research. Keep in mind that there is not one single shred of evidence that supports the allegations made by the now 15 year old "victim". So what this all comes down to is this....Fritz: a 61 year old man who has worked hard all his life...no criminal record...known by thousands of children as "that mountain man with the cool tail hat who taught us how to pan for gold"....well known in the community.... and then you have the alleged "victim"...a troubled young girl from a home life with all kinds of drama...she tells this story and.....that is what you call fact? I am still shocked that this has progressed to where it is today.... What kind of world do we live in that takes the word of a teenager over that of a well respected man like Fritz Erhardt as "fact"? Teenagers are still learning how to tell the truth....I remember....I used to be one and when I was that age I could be fairly creative as well. Come on now.....Really???? This is no "Garrido" case....Where are the Defendent's rights advocates? Innocent until proven Guilty..I don't believe that statement anymore....There has been no justice served here....yet....
Um... What?July 25, 2012 - 1:03 pm
Jeri Lee Hicks: I get my facts from two places, first being the Jury. In a jury trial, a jury is the trier/finder of fact. The jury finds the facts and applies them to the law they are instructed by the judge to use in order to reach their verdict. And per the Seventh Amendment to the United States Constitution, no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States…. The second place was from Erhardt's lawyer who said, "using his granddaughter’s hand to masturbate himself is a minor act compared to many sex crimes." And as for your comments regarding evidence related to the case, there was a Jury Trial, open to the public, where the evidence was presented to the jury. The Jury heard all of the evidence and found enough facts to reach a verdict (Guilty of 2 charges of committing a lewd act upon a child and a single charge of continuous sexual abuse) Fritz may have/is in your words, "worked hard all his life...no criminal record...known by thousands of children.... well known in the community," but that has nothing to do with the fact that he used his granddaughter's hand to masturbate with. The Victim may be in your words, "a troubled young girl from a home life with all kinds of drama...," but that has nothing to do with the fact Fritz used her hand to masturbate with. We live in a world where well respected people sometimes sexually abuse others, and teenagers sometimes get sexually abused. It is a horrible thing, but it happens, and according to the triers of fact, that is exactly what happened in this instance. Fritz was innocent… all the way up to the time he was found guilty by a jury of his peers… A jury who heard all of the evidence and found it as fact.
OpinonJuly 25, 2012 - 1:14 pm
I believe Jerry Sandusky had friends and family that said the same. I am not saying he is guilty as I don't know all of the facts in the case, however, just because someone is a teenager and has a troubled life does not mean that they are lying. And to Jeri Lee Hicks, you indicate that you were a teenager once and could be creative, really, as a teenager you created lies such as that? Regardless if it was as severe as a "Garrido" case or just a one time occurance it is not ok.
Resident WisdomJuly 25, 2012 - 6:37 pm
There are two sides to this coin. Don’t lose sight of the facts: “using his granddaughter’s hand to masturbate himself…Erhardt had not followed a restraining order…Philip Garrido also had a similar score for reoffending…going downstairs in the middle of the night. He didn’t know if she was awake. Clearly, Mr. Erhardt is the poster child of taking advantage of a position of trust.” Fritz is a likable fellow, but he hasn’t exactly been the role model of society as portrayed by his supporters. Why do you think many of us avoided the solicitations for letters of good character? The tragedy is that Fritz is responsible for putting the CHILD and the whole FAMILY into the KANGAROO COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION. The entire SYSTEM & SOCIETY is sadly broken. That’s why America is collapsing from within—-one family at a time.
M.Faye ThomasJuly 25, 2012 - 7:28 pm
I find it the height of cowardice to spew such damaging dialogue and yet attach to it no name. Cowardice bespeaks of not but deception, moral weakness, and a general lacking of any believability or ethical action.
M.Faye ThomasJuly 25, 2012 - 7:40 pm
It is estimated that just over 10,000 innocent men and woman are wrongfully convicted and then imprisoned EVERY YEAR HERE IN THE GOOD OLD USA. This is an actual statistical studies fact from our edu archives....if you like that one what about the 60% of alleged molesters who's accusers are family members(that's SIXTY PERCENT) that are wrongfully convicted BY JURIES and imprisoned.....WHAT? OMG, how could something LIKE THIS happen? Statistics show the most common wrongful molestation conviction ratings come from trials where the only incriminating evidence was from a 'victim'...which, by the by, is nothing more than the testimony of one individual and NOT an actual FACT....so, it would seem that about 60% of the time the juries THOUGHT they were doing the world a service by believing the story of a 'victim' without benefit of ANY ACTUAL PROVABLE REAL SOLID EVIDENCE...and guess what...THEY WERE WRONG. Good grief....do i REALLY need to pull out the big dictionary and post for one and all what a FACT is? Seems there's quite a bit of confusion. And no....just because you're emotionally effected by someone's story and you feel you want to believe them that does NOT make anything they happen to tell you a fact....sorry Charlie:(
M.Faye ThomasJuly 25, 2012 - 8:51 pm
Resident Wisdom: What contract did Fritz win out from under you? Or was it a general disliking you may have for him? Not care for how he likes to make money perhaps? Just what specifically would you call he has done that you have personally either been a party to or actual witness to that would make him less than a decent man? You can't bait a hook like that then refuse to cast your line...to do so would make it seem to those who read these postings that what you have is nothing more than a personal axe to grind. It would be incredibly silly for anyone to think that any one person is well liked or thought of by everyone. I am quite certain that even you (for example) have your own fair share of people who might think this world a better place without you in it. WE ALL HAVE A FEW WHO DON'T CARE FOR US for one reason or another. Nobody gets beyond a certain age without irking, irritating, or offending someone...and it's human nature that when people rub us wrong we often talk about it...and it goes round...and round.......following me here? I'm not dismissing your personal opinion here. We all have them and are bloody well entitled to them. So long as you understand that your opinions are what they are. I actually have great respect for those who have the moxy to step up and speak when they feel strongly about something. It's commendable no matter from which side you are speaking. That respect does not extend, however, to those who must speak behind blinds. If you wish to be taken seriously then by all means do so with some conviction and integrity. Much the same can be said of any without enough strength of truth behind their words to name themselves. Again, TRUTH is something nobody should ever fear....if you do...if you must speak in hiding....if your words must be uttered in the dark where you feel safest for not being known...then your words are the same stuff shadows are made of...without substance...simply a dark void of nothingness.
SHJuly 26, 2012 - 12:17 pm
I'm with "Um..What?" - He (through his attorney) ADMITTED to using his granddaughters little hand to masterbate with. You'd rather conveniently ignoring that part so you can continue claiming that the poor old guy is being set up? I'm the first to agree that our system is badly broken - but they got it rigth this time. The POS should rot.
M.Faye ThomasJuly 26, 2012 - 2:55 pm
SH- The only thing I have been trying to ignore here is some peoples ignorance. You DO know what it means to be ignorant, do you not? Let me know as I'd be happy enough to further clarify that for you. Anyhow, I'm guessing you had no clue that Erhardt's counsel COULD NOT HAVE addressed sentencing any way other than how he did as it was post trial/it had nothing to do with the fact he has been wrongfully convicted....something a few dolts can't seem to be able to wrap their heads around - that we have such an extremely high rate of wrongful convictions regarding these crimes alleged AND that testimony of one child is NOT a forgone FACT....and this is especially so when there is not one iota of additional evidence. I don't know you but as I have a fondness for my fellow humans I would pray that there never comes a day in your life when you are ever accused of something and all it takes to do you in is the unfounded lies of another. SH, um...what, and your ilk: I've got to be frank here and state that I find I am rather more pleased than not that you choose to be so open about your lacking the ability to grasp much beyond the simplest of trains of thought. I'm betting your method of reasoning served you quite well in preschool. You will find, however, that you'll have to peddle just a bit faster here if you wish to try and keep up with the rest of the grownups. I have to also say that I am rather apalled (OK more like totally creeped out) by your interjecting the word "little" before "hand" in your post....Mr. Erhardt failed to exhibet any such Freudian slips when he was examined and questioned...and yet you fell quite comfortably right into that one in a public forum no less....interesting, very interesting.....
kggJuly 26, 2012 - 3:29 pm
"He (through his attorney) ADMITTED to using his granddaughters little hand to masterbate with." This is incorrect - Fritz did not admit his guilt - through his lawyer or otherwise.
Ken SteersJuly 26, 2012 - 3:26 pm
Ms Hicks and Ms Thomas Do you have any empathy for the little girl? It's obvious you are angry and don't agree with the outcome, but I must remind you that the trial is available to the public. And people can read the transcripts. If he is innocent then I suggest your people pool resources for his appeal. I'm more concerned about the innocent victim or victim's who's lives have been shattered
M.Faye ThomasJuly 26, 2012 - 5:47 pm
Mr. Steers: I'm not angry in the least. I am, however, hugely applauding your mention of this case being a matter of public record and that citizens with the wish or desire to read through the procedings may do so....something I am STRONGLY in favor of them doing. No, angry I am not...simply a bit frustrated is all. With so many cases such as this, where there was zero evidence outside of what a single young accuser said, and juries let their emotions rather than good sense and judgement rule in believing when they should not have, sending innocent men off to prison to have to face sometimes years and years before regaining their freedom and clearing their good names, it is somewhat surprising to me that some seem so very convinced. Recall the witch trials of Salem and that they continued, murdering innocent people based on stories told by children and young women, until finally at last the Governers own good wife was accused. The social stigma and public hysteria over such crimes as we are discussing here is so strong driven that even good, honest, intelligent, sensible men and women are prone to bias and judge. Those thousands wrongfully convicted and imprisioned, even after freed and exonerated, I am sure would beg of you all to be more cautious. The 5+ million handed over to one of the more recently released as innocent of all charges in a nearby county I am certain would tell you he would rather have still had his life, his reputation, and family intact than have all that money now. "Empathy" is not something that I am without. Quite to the contrary, sir, my career itself requires a good deal of that from me as well as compassion. It's also important however, and in the extreme considering consequences, to be able to weed out fact from fiction. My 'empathy' does not extend to where it does not belong. I simply do not know how to state it more plainly or clearer than that. Perhaps you and I have differing opinions in regards to who is a victim here. I have no issue with that differing of opinions. I would also add that I, despite our appearing to be on opposing sides of this discussion, have the utmost respect for the fact that you came, spoke your mind, and did so with your own good name. Perhaps someday we will cross paths again where we are on the same side of a discussion....I would welcome that...I imagine you are a very fine man to have as a comrade:)
Alan ChalmersJuly 26, 2012 - 8:12 pm
Faye- actually, he is somewhat of a doofus.
RobJuly 27, 2012 - 7:02 am
"Using his grandaughter's hand to masturbate himself is a minor act compared to many sex crimes." That arguement is very disturbing...
Dave in KelseyJuly 27, 2012 - 1:25 pm
Well.. where he's going, he won't have a problem finding someone to jerk himself off. I agree on both sides. Is circumstantial evidence alone good enough to put someone in prison? I guess it is. Should it? No. Has it turned out years later, women lied and come forward? Yes. We'll never really know the truth. It is very hard to understand and accept. Those of you who support the conviction are more likely to have someone they know or family member be a victim of abuse. My sister was raped when she was 11. And it happened a couple of time until she was 13. He was our neighbor and deacon in our church. My sister didn't come forward until she was 19. He was never arrested. Instead, the church decided to handle it inhouse and have a conference. No one believed her until another woman came forward. And then another. To this day, I do not understand why the police were not called. The man was a very long time friend of the famliy and his daughters played with my sisters. Position of trust? Opportunity? Yes. There is a term called grooming. Just because someone is a known ledgend and is well liked, you have no idea what happens behind closed doors. As for my sister's rapist, he died a few years ago. His own daughters don't even know the truth. Sad. But what does it matter now. There have been plenty of times I wanted to tell them. Warn their children. Both daughters have 2 boys each. No girls. One day, the truth will come out. And that goes for everyone and everything. And we will all be judged. Heaven help us.
M.Faye ThomasJuly 27, 2012 - 7:23 pm
Rob: Disturbing of course....it bothers, upsets, enrages, and sickens us all or at least I would hope so....the very thought anyone would do such a thing to a child/horrible beyond belief....YES Rob....the accusation IS indeed truly disturbing...but it's not an argument....those words are not substantiated in any way....there's no evidence at all of any guilt....there is ONLY those words from one individual period. If you think the lacking of any evidence is not important then I will pray for you and hope that neither you nor anyone you care for or love is ever faced with what this man has been faced with.
M.Faye ThomasJuly 27, 2012 - 7:47 pm
Dave: Are you uncaring of how this innocent man's wife, and plenty of others, will feel reading your opening statement? Was that intentional? What was the reaction you were looking for? People are fearful for this mans continued well being and personal safety during the time it will take to see him freed and relieved of his wrongful conviction...you admit in a case such as his (no evidence) he should not have been convicted even though he was....but you open up with such a terrible line? I would think better of you/truly I would. Is it possible, as the rest of your post does not at all sound as if you're a man to support unfairness, you posted that without thinking or realizing how it would sound?
Just WonderingJuly 27, 2012 - 10:04 pm
M. Faye Thomas - Can't help but wonder what's driving you to comment 8 out of 22 posts to this article. Pardon me for asking, but does the "M" stand for Margie, Fritz's wife using her maiden name?
david obrienJuly 27, 2012 - 11:21 pm
I am truley disgusted by what a lot of you are writing, this man deserves to, and will rot in hell for the things he has done! There is no excuse for what he has done, no matter how respected he was in the community!!! I myself pray that god kills him in prison so that noone has to endure his molestation ever again
M.Faye ThomasJuly 27, 2012 - 11:52 pm
First, I am wondering why someone without the will to use their name here would bother to inquire about my own....which, by the way, is indeed my own true name. Sorry but no...I am not Margie...while I'd love to have her as true family we Thomas's can't claim her. I know my name's not fancy or anything...but it is what it is:)
M.Faye ThomasJuly 28, 2012 - 12:03 am
This man has done no wrong....however others most certainly have.....so tell me Brian: Which are you, a friend of the bad apples, one of the bad apples themselves, or just some guy who hates molesters as much as the rest of us do but is to ignorant to bother with looking into a matter before commenting on it?
M.Faye ThomasJuly 28, 2012 - 12:05 am
Cearly I have not read, nor listened to the evidence. I am only relying on information I have heard from the defendant or his family. I refuse to believe 12 unrelated people,who actually heard all of the evidence, found my friend guilty of using his granddaughters tiny hand to masturbate with. It stinks my friend did this. I simply refuse to believe it. I am a True friend. Even though I actually don't know anything about it, I believe my friend. Anyway... I live in TN and assume pville is jacked up
M.Faye ThomasJuly 28, 2012 - 12:10 am
Such cowardice.....and more idiotic than presumed at first. Anyone will very clearly see your post illegally using my name is not in fact mine. I'm glad you did it though as you're not able to retract it.....and it only more supports my position.
M.Faye ThomasJuly 28, 2012 - 12:24 am
David Obrien morphed into 'Brian'...really you ARE ridiculous...you'll have to do better than that:)
RRCJuly 29, 2012 - 11:35 am
It's sad when a "troubled young girl" is painted as someone who made something up. I don't know the girl, the facts, etc. but if he did sexually abuse her for 5 years don't you think she'd be a bit troubled? I mean, first you're 7 and things that shouldn't be happening are, it's nighttime, and to top it off your grandpa is the one doing it. I think I'd be a bit troubled.
M.Faye ThomasJuly 29, 2012 - 12:25 pm
The story is absolutely made up....as far as the child being 'troubled' you'd better believe that she is....however the responsible parties are not Fritz Erhardt. She has had an unfair lot in life thus far, that I absolutely acknowledge and CAN feel a HUGE amount of compassion for...she has been groomed and is following in someone's footsteps however those footsteps are not those of her grandfathers.
RobJuly 29, 2012 - 2:46 pm
M.Faye Thomas- I was commenting on the article, where Mr. Erhardts attorney made that argument. I in no way implied, guilt or innocence just commenting on what his attorney said. Everyone should have a friend like you.
R HumphreyJuly 29, 2012 - 6:43 pm
I find it appalling that there are so many people on here calling this little girl a liar. What kind of evidence do you need to prove this man has stolen his granddaughters innocence and shattered her trust in all people, would a video have sufficed perhaps DNA? There are claims of no evidence to prove this mans guilt but the word of his victim yet you take his word as proof of innocence. A jury found him guilty, a judge found him guilty and sentenced him to more than a decade in prison, but some how that isn't sufficient proof because you believe that this child made up a story about her grandfather sexually abusing her because she is just a troubled girl, have you ever heard of a wolf in sheeps clothing? You should all look up the statistics of sexually abused children find out who hurts them and how often they make it up perhaps then your passion could be put to more just causes.
M.Faye ThomasJuly 29, 2012 - 11:01 pm
Rob: I totally understand what you're saying and trust me I'm right there with you/feel the same way about that. Also I really appreciate your candor and sentiment/thank you for that. Humphrey: Statistics are a nightmare with this and there is quite a spread in ranges and variances in findings. I have personally put in at least a total of around 50-60 hours just searching out legitimate stats....how many minutes did it take you to find yours and were the information giving sources from unbiased pulls? There are a multitude of different types of child abuse, even sexual abuse, and there are some very clear statistical differences amongst them.....had you done enough searching to discover that? I understand that to you this isn't likely to important. For all I know you may not even know who this man is let alone have a personal relationship with him. For me a friend has been convicted and sentenced wrongfully for crimes he did not commit and, worse yet, they are of a nature that even when we are able to get this appealed, and him released legally of any guilt, in the public's eyes he was ruined the moment the false charges were made. Unless he somehow scores a major press release when it happens the vast majority of people will only recall what he was charged with. Mr. Humphrey, I can understand that perhaps to you this is not worth the time or effort to look further into, you may be satisfied that he was found guilty and be done with it. You may feel confident that you live in a world where innocent people don't go to prison and children don't ever make up horrible stories. I live in the real world and know that not only does it happen but the rate it happens in cases like this is disproportionately high. I'm not asking you to change your opinion. My position is that I know differently (his being innocent) and I am very willing to go the distance with this until he is cleared. Remember the witch trials....they didn't end until the Governors wife was accused....until then the only evidence needed was the word of a child....I truly had thought we were beyond that...and in most courts we are....but not with this type of case....we go centuries back in time and stand by watching the tail wag the dog.
Jeri Lee HicksAugust 02, 2012 - 10:01 am
Um…What? : There is no fact that “Fritz used his granddaughter’s hand to masturbate with”….those are your words…. that is, as it has been since day one “here say”! There is not one single shred of evidence to support these accusations…with the exception of the courts ruling that if a child says it, then it must be true. As far as your second source…being the public defender who was appointed as Fritz’s attorney with his comment at the sentencing hearing…. I would argue that a comment such as that one would be grounds for a mistrial based on IAC (inefficient assistance of council). The sad truth is that everyone does not have 50,000 stashed away for attorney fees to defend themselves and so the court appoints them a lawyer… and nothing against the lawyers in the public defenders office… they are paid a monthly salary and handle a huge case load….to these people… you are just another case in a long line of unfortunates that are caught up in our judicial system. The words that come to mind are “You get what you pay for.” I agree with you on your point that we do live in a world where well respected people do sexually abuse others…yes there are some really sick people in the world today. Fritz is not one of those people! Any sexual acts against a child are appalling and upsetting to society as a whole and yes I am sure that there are legitimate cases like this…. sadly I acknowledge this and yes I do have great empathy for the children that suffer at the hands of some sick pervert that commits these kinds of crimes. What I find so very disturbing is that so many people are ready to jump on the band wagon and say such savage things about a man I know is innocent of these allegations. As I said before: I really do not think that I could ever be on a jury and be sure that any decision would be fair to the defendant because I will always wonder how much information was not disclosed that would shed light on the case and give the jury a better understanding of what could possibly motivate a child to fabricate these allegations…after I saw how much information was blocked by legal proceedings….usually discussions between the opposing attorneys and the judge… I would find it impossible for me to not wonder what kind of information the legal system had blocked from the jurors….I just don’t think I could decide the fate of someone while not getting all the facts…such as people to attest to the character or lifestyle, etc. Opinon: I have been using generalizations so as not to “throw anyone under the bus”, but you know what? I don’t mind throwing myself under the bus…In answer to your question.. No I did not make up lies such as these ones . Most of my lies were long winded stories explaining why I got home late on Sat. night…etc. But then again that was a long time ago and the world has changed a lot. Kids today are much more sophisticated then the kids who grew up in my generation. I did not mean to imply that all troubled kids lie…. That comment is a generalization that I made so as not to go into the detailed history of “troubled” (re: lifestyle of home life with parents, living conditions, ability to perform in an academic setting, and so on). I am the “victims” little brother’s God-mother and friends with the entire family. My comments and opinions are based on what I know because I have seen this all myself. As for the severity of the charges…you misunderstand my meaning…. I agree with you….even one child being molested one time is unacceptable…When I made the statement that this is no Garrido case I was stating the obvious: There is no evidence in the Erhard case except a “here say” statement. In the Garrido case there is definite proof that there was some molestation going on (the children), the child was kidnapped and held in the Garridos home or yard…..birthed the kids of Garrido….come on now….this is definitely not any where near comparable to the Garrido case! Pretty flasy of the DA to reference the Garrido case in Fritz’s trial…just to really freak everyone out and sensationalize this case to get the verdict she wanted….that was just wrong! Ken Steers, R Humphrey, and RRC: I am deeply saddened by this whole story. I know this seems hard to believe for a lot of people….1. Kids do make stuff up. 2. Fritz is innocent 3. Court systems do fail. I am not angry at all….I am very frustrated that this has gone this far. I say this knowing the whole story from the day that these allegations were made. I can only hope that the real truth comes out which will also disclose the motivation for these allegations and this will exonerate Fritz.. Even when this is all over and his innocence is proven, his life has been ruined and his reputation as well.
R. HumphreyAugust 02, 2012 - 10:03 pm
To the supporters of Fritz Ernhardt: It is an awful day when we are faced with betrayal by someone that we thought we knew. I find it ironic that the only reason that you support his innocence is based upon the same evidence that you say is unjust. This child says he did it and he says he didn't. You believe that because of some motive by her mother, it would seem, that she would put herself through a trial and public ridicule from his supporters. Children do make up stories but children rarely ever make up stories about being molested that is a fact not one that I had need to spend a few hours a day Googling. I work as a child advocate I know the statistics of sexual abuse and children rarely make false allegations especially after being question over a period of time such as the length of a trial. Attacking a victim of such a depraved act with such indifference because you believe she is a liar is in and of itself another attack on this girl. You believe so strongly that this man is innocent then help him prove it without further harming a girl that 12 jurors and an elected judge has decided is telling the truth.
M.Faye ThomasAugust 02, 2012 - 11:13 pm
R. Humphrey: I do not reward poor behavior NO MATTER WHO IS GUILTY OF IT period. Personal accountability SHOULD be a cornerstone in our society...when we choose to speak, act, etc, we should have some OWNERSHIP in what we have done and the outcome results. I will not coddle, or handle with kid gloves, ANYONE who fails to be truthful and ESPECIALLY not when the consequences to another innocent party are so dire. I am not a woman to ever act these days without great caution. My very career and professional vocation depends upon my good name and reputation and I would not in a million years stick my neck out in so public a manner if I was not with absolute 100% surety certain. So certain that I postponed a flight to have additional time to do some gathering...and that is all that you get. You are welcome to choose to stick to your argument Humphrey...and when this man is found not guilty this time around, and it comes out there was no truth at all in the allegations that were made, I will do my best to try and not remind you of our discourse here.
Bear HawkAugust 06, 2012 - 6:43 pm
Here are the issues that I have a major problem with. When Fritz was arrested there was no search of his residence. It would seem to me that it would be common place to seize the computer of a suspected child molester to see if there was any child porn on it? They could have searched his emails to see if there were any suspicious emails to minor children? There was also no DNA taken from the scene or from the alleged victim. So what this case boils down to is a vindictive son-in-law who in retaliation for Fritz allowing his daughter and grand-daughter to move in temporarily to avoid being victimized further created this fantasy in his daughters mind. It is common knowledge that the children of estranged parents will do about anything to gain the acceptance and love of the estranged parent. It happens all the time in battered women cases where the women are beaten but won't testify against their husbands/boyfriends. It is all about control and Fritz's son-in-law was losing control over his now ex-wife and used his own daughter to ruin Fritz's and his wife Margie's life. He has used this to gain complete custody of the child now from his ex-wife. Talk about motivation? If Fritz were indeed a child molester wouldn't there be some kind of hard evidence? Dried semen on the couch or floor where the alleged crime took place? Child porn on the computer? Suspicious emails? One complaint filed against him from the parents and/or teachers of the 700,000 4th grade school children he worked with over 10 years? Something more than just the word of a troubled youth being coached by a sadistic father to ruin the life of an honest and upright man? No evidence, no investigation, not allowing witnesses in his defense, not allowing his own psychiatrist to evaluate him? All this and a conviction with a 16 year sentence? Really? If Fritz could have afforded a good attorney, not a district attorney who didn't do his job, he would have been exonerated of these charges. After tying up his life savings and his home to post bail how could he come up with the $25K to hire a good attorney? The system is broken. This is injustice to the maximum degree. An innocent man’s life is ruined.
Jeri Lee HicksAugust 14, 2012 - 8:50 am
Bear Hawk: Thank You for speaking the "oh so obvious" truth....I applaud your candor and appreciate the written word of the truth finally coming to light.....I pray that there is some way that justice will come to be served and that Fritz is exonerated in a more timely fashion then it took to ruin him and falsely accuse, convict, and imprison him for this disgusting and vengeful fabrication.....
Ashley GoehringSeptember 01, 2012 - 2:54 pm
Look i am the victim of Fritz and jerilee i can't believe you would stick up for him and for the rest of you who stick up for him he has fooled you with mhis cloak what you guys saw was a friend a companion and what i saw was totally different from you..... you will never understand what I've gone through and calling me a liar and blaming lawers for doing their job isn't helping anything just because you don't understand the whole thing doesn't gmive you a right to point fingers. I just hope one day you will see the truth and take it for what it is.
Ashley GoehringSeptember 01, 2012 - 3:03 pm
and my Father did not force me to say anything obviously bear Claw doesn't know everything i testified with honesty and if you cant take the truth then you are ignorrant to the truth when it was in front of your face.... its easy to ignore and turn away rather than to face something i learned that the hard way
S. BarnesSeptember 04, 2012 - 10:00 am
Ashley - I'm sorry to see that there are those that would blast you for telling the truth. I know it's probably hard to pick up the pieces of your life and move forward. What you did was very brave. NEVER feel bad for telling the truth. The only two that know what happened are you and your grandfather. The jury obviously believed you. M.Fay Thomas and Jeri Lee Hicks weren't there. Shame on them for implying that you are lying. I don't believe anyone implied that he had hurt anyone besides you, so it does stand to reason that others would have a hard time believing it. Disbelief does not make the truth untrue. Put this behind you and become a woman that holds her head high. I wish you all the best!