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Wednesday, December 10, 2008 10:30 AM Teacher sentenced for sexual offense By Gina Childress | Times Staff Writer A former wrestling coach at Fike High School who was arrested on Jan. 26 amidst allegations that he had committed a sexual offense against a female student, was sentenced to 12 months probation in Wilson County Superior Court Tuesday. David Brandon Earp, 33, whose last known address was 7378 Rock Ridge Sims Road, pleaded no contest to one count of sexual battery before Superior Court Judge Walter Godwin. Earp was accompanied in court by his attorney, Tom Sallenger, his parents and his wife. Earp was facing six felony counts of indecent liberties with a minor. "There has been a contradiction in the evidence that has surfaced in the last few weeks," Assistant District Attorney Charles Thomas told the judge Tuesday in court. "We have spoken to the family (of the victim) and the investigating officers, and we all are in agreement this is the best course of action." Thomas went on to say that this situation has placed a tremendous strain on the victim and her family and said that Earp should have to register as a sex offender. Sallenger told Godwin that Earp was a man who wasn't a threat to anyone and that he very much wanted to be the husband his wife wants him to be and to be a good father. Earp did not make any comments. Godwin, who took some time to contemplate the sentence for Earp, sentenced him to 60 days in the N.C. Dept. of Corrections, suspended the sentence and placed Earp on probation for 12 months. He was also ordered to pay a fine of $500 plus court costs, pay up to $1,500 in restitution, participate in any treatment or counseling program recommended, perform 40 hours of community service, not to communicate or be in the presence of the victim and not to be on any school grounds unless the situation directly affects his 5-year-old child. He was also ordered to register as a convicted sex offender with the State of North Carolina. He will remain on that list for the rest of his life. gina@wilsontimes.com | 265-7821 |
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fike student said...
people make mistakes.. he knows what he did was wrong. just let the law take care of it, thats their job. he got punishment he didnt just get off.. let him live his life with his wife, kid and family.. without questions
Thursday, December 18, 2008 at 11:22 PM
Go Navy! said...people make mistakes.. he knows what he did was wrong. just let the law take care of it, thats their job. he got punishment he didnt just get off.. let him live his life with his wife, kid and family.. without questions
Thursday, December 18, 2008 at 11:22 PM
I TOTALLY agree with Equal. This verdict really doesn't make any sense.
Thursday, December 11, 2008 at 10:47 PM
I don't understand that verdict either...and what was the contradiction in the evidence? Something does not seem right.
Thursday, December 11, 2008 at 10:30 AM
If he's guilty enough to register as a sex offender and guilty enough for probation, why isn't he guilty enough to serve time?
Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at 6:00 PM
