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Molestation victim: Justice has been served
Date published: 9/8/2008
I would like to say a few final words about the conviction of the former Rev. George O. Lowe ["Minister given 5 years on molestation count," Sept. 3].
Someone asked me why I wanted to bring something that happened so long ago back out into the open. The reason is accountability.
Now that he has been sentenced to prison, I can finally start to let these wounds heal.
The past 20-plus years has been a life of depression, drug and alcohol problems, marital problems, and suicidal idealization because of the evil actions of George Lowe, a so-called man of God who sat on his throne for 43 years causing damage to who knows how many other lives.
I could not let things lie and move on, as was the standard reply over the years.
Before sentencing, Lowe's attorney asked for those who were in the courtroom to please stand to show support for Lowe.
I want to know why no one stood for the rights of other children, why no one stood to get this man removed from the stand at Mount Hope Baptist Church after I came to church officials in 1988.
I am happy that justice has prevailed, and Lowe will be where he will not hurt anyone anymore.
I hope this case will serve as a warning to others out there who may want to hurt children for their own pleasure. They will be caught, and they will be punished.
If there are victims out there of Lowe or anyone else, they should come forward. Let the law work for you as it has for me.
I'd like to thank the Stafford County Sheriff's Office, Detective Don Lenhart, the commonwealth's attorney's office, and the Victims' Witness office for helping me see this through.
I would like to also thank the Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault, the Rappahannock Community Service Board, the staff at Virginia Cares, and the Rappahannock Security Center mental health staff for helping me work through the many layers of issues I have.
I know that one day I will have to forgive Lowe. I will do that in my time and my time only. For now, I am happy that justice has been served.
Benjamin Marsh
Stafford
Date published: 9/8/2008
Most recent reader comments:
True Courage is on display in this letter...
(posted by
fireball
, Sep. 8, 2008 7:59 pm)
No one could fault him if he had chosen to return to the anonymity and normalcy he would enjoy if it weren't for his abuser. Instead, he has put himself out there to be a reminder to the community that sick minds exist everywhere. In doing so, he will undoubtedly help countless others be on guard for undetected abusers, expose those abusers that attempt to prey on the innocent, and inspire those that have been abused to come forward without shame, because the fault lies with the abuser, not them. God bless.
Victims / Survivors next door
(posted by
Talisman
, Sep. 8, 2008 4:46 pm)
I was also abused for 3 years in my early teens. I turned to drugs to ease the pain. I dropped out of high school to hide my pain. I self inflicted physical pain to overcome the emotional pain. I tried to commit suicide twice in 2 years in a plea for help. No one ever noticed anything other than I was a troubled teenager. What Ben has done should inspire everyone who has ever been abused to step forward and speak out for the victims. I Thank God, my therapist, and my own inner strength for my salvation.
Peachesmom, You're so right!
(posted by
VALOVER
, Sep. 8, 2008 2:41 pm)
I wish I had been in court that day because I am just bold enough that after that ignorant attorney said that I would have asked that everyone stand who supported Mr. M_arsh and even applaud. Mr. M_arsh gave a lot of victims their life back that day by letting them know it is never to late to seek justice.
You are a HERO to MANY!!!!!!!!!!
(posted by
riley6
, Sep. 8, 2008 2:25 pm)
I hope his other victims have the courage and strength to come forward. I hope others who have been victimized by other monsters also have the courage,by your example, to tell what happened to them. Don't let this criminal take one more day of your life. Fight your addictions and hold your head up high. You were put on this earth for a purpose and you deserve to reap your rewards! You are a HERO!
Stand up in support?
(posted by
peachesmom
, Sep. 8, 2008 9:13 am)
Stand up and Show support for this monster? Just because he was a man of the clothe does not mean that he was/is a good person as we have seen so often in the past. Five years is not nearly enough for what he did. Our judicial system really stinks when it comes to protecting victims. Bens years of suffering should of been taken into account as well. There is no excuse for crimes against children. When these monsters spend the remaineder of their days in prison then we provide justice for the victim
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