A man who claims that he was molested by Bigfoot as a child was ordered to serve 20 years in prison yesterday for his own molestation-related activities.
Gene R. Morrill, 57, of New Ipswich, New Hampshire, had previously pleaded guilty in Stafford Circuit Court to 20 charges stemming from his efforts to solicit 13-year-old boys over the Internet.
According to the Freelance Star, Defense Attorney Terrence Patton cited Morrill's mental health issues in seeking leniency from Judge J. Howe Brown.
Morrill reportedly told an investigator preparing his pre-sentence report that he had been sexually assaulted by the legendary Bigfoot. Patton said Morrill really believes the assaulted happened.
"I take him very seriously because I know Mr. Morill has issues," said Patton.
"I've had a few that have claimed abuse, but never by a mythical creature," said Stafford County Detective Darryl Wells, who has built the case against Morills one online chat at a time.
"He is a sexual predator that targets children," says Wells.
Residents of the town don’t seem to buy the man's claims either.
"What? Are you serious," said one resident.
"I just don’t believe it," said another resident.
However, Morrill was determined to be mentally competent to stand trial. The judge also couldn't have been impressed with Morrill's criminal record, which includes a rape conviction involving a child in New Hampshire, according to the Freelance Star.
According to the evidence presented by prosecutor Jim Peterson, Morrill was one of several out-of-state online predators identified last year by Detectives Darryl Wells and John Chapman.
Morrill was convicted of five counts of attempting to take indecent liberties with a child, five counts of using electronic equipment to solicit a juvenile and 10 counts of reproducing child pornography.
Morrill is still facing similar charges in Prince William County (web|news) .
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