Often, young victims keep the abuse a secret for years. Before his conviction, Mr. King often visited Sgt. Harper at the sheriff's office to talk about his relationship with the boy, she said. As with many sex offenders, Mr. King believed his an innocent relationship, she explained. And, during the trial, Mr. King tried to play the age and health card, Sgt.
Sex crimes present many difficulties.
Sex offenders often prove adept at manipulating victims, which can cause great confusion. Many victims know their abusers, who may be fathers or stepfathers, boyfriends or coaches. In turn, those feelings may keep a victim from reporting the offense. Sometimes the victim enjoys the physical part of the sexual abuse, which causes even more guilt and confusion, Capt. Fear also plays a role.