Recent Posts in Sex Crimes Category

In Southern California, a man by the name of Leonard Earl Scroggins is alleged to have been involved in attacks against women that date back to 1992.  Scroggins, a convicted sex offender, was suspected of attacking four women in the South Bay area.  He is also accused of sexually assaulting an Oakland woman in 2002.

After pleading guilty, Scroggins was sentenced with 10 years imprisonment.  Police say that during the attack that took place in Alameda County, Scroggins used a knife on a woman.  The way Scroggins acted at that time are very similar to the crimes he is suspected of committing this past week in National City and Chula Vista.

On Monday, police said that 32 year old Scroggins cut off his electronic monitoring bracelet.  He then appeared in Chula Vista where he attempted to rob a teenage girl.  He also tried to kidnap a woman and while using a knife, he injured her arm.  In National city, Scroggins stole a woman's purse and then tried to kidnap a 13 year old girl at knife point.  He was arrested shortly after that incident. 

If you have been charged with a sex crime or a serious theft crime, contact the Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry to speak with an Orange County criminal defense lawyer!

A woman who worked as a teacher at an Orange County juvenile correctional center was arrested following reports that she kissed and fondled a 16-year-old boy.

The teacher, 43-year-old Dawn Marie Baloun of Lake Forest, is facing one misdemeanor count of child annoyance, a crime punishable by up to a year in jail.

According to prosecutors, Baloun’s inappropriate relationship with the boy occurred between March and April 2009 at the Joplin Youth Center in Trabuco Canyon. They allegedly would meet in empty classrooms, closets, and offices and kiss and fondle each other.

When the boy was transferred to another facility, they continued to correspond through letters, mostly about their sexual relationship. Police were alerted when a counselor at the facility found the letters.

Since their affair was discovered, Baloun has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. She is scheduled to be arraigned April 12.

A former Orange County gymnastic coach will be sentenced later this month after he was found guilty of having an unlawful sexual relationship with a 16-year-old girl.

Prosecutors say Jason Wayne Scofield, 37, met the girl while working as a coach at Wildfire Gymnastics in Tustin. The girl’s parents contacted the police after receiving a concerned email from one of the girl’s friends. By the time investigators were informed of the relationship, Scofield had joined the Army and was living in Arizona. Investigators got a warrant and went to Arizona to arrest Scofield and bring him back to Orange County.

Scofield pleaded guilty to the felony charges. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 30, and it is expected that he will serve one year in jail and three years probation. The prosecution also wants the judge to order Scofield to register as a sex offender.

Scofield’s relationship with the girl lasted from February to June 2009. They reportedly would meet in his car and at his home.

Having unlawful sex with a person under the age of 18 is considered statutory rape in California, an offense that carries a number of different penalties, including time in jail or prison, large fines, probation, and possibly sex offender registration. Perhaps the even more unsettling than these penalties is the stigma associated with having a sex crimes conviction on your record. If you or a loved one has been accused of statutory rape or another sex crime, it’s crucial to speak with an experienced attorney right away. The Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry has experience defending people against serious felony crimes, such as statutory rape, and can ensure your case is given the attention and dedication you deserve!

To schedule a consultation with an  Orange County criminal defense lawyer at the firm, please  contact the office today at (866) 902-6880.