School advisor sentenced
in Yuba child molest case
Sac Bee Excloo
MARYSVILLE 9/27/02 (YSN) - The proceedings were moved to the main courtroom to handle the crowd and Kleenex was dispensed before the defendant arrived: that's how big a deal the sentencing of William W. Babcock was in Yuba County Friday.
Former elementary school counselor Babcock, 54, pleaded guilty in Yuba County Superior and acknowledged other lewd actions with 10 boys under 18.
Judge James Curry sentenced Babcock to consecutive prison terms totaling 22 years. He will not be eligible for parole for at least 18 years, defense attorney Rick Worrell said.
While a licensed counselor, Babcock had been a school advisor with the Marysville Joint Unified School District for about eight years.
The parent of one victim, "T.G." spoke out at the sentencing, telling Babcock of the impact his acts as a trusted advisor have had on the children.
"You have ruined their trust and innocence forever. You took advantage of children who were already had problems," she said, tearfully.
So far, 16 claims have been filed against the district in connection with the Babcock criminal cases, according to Jamie Marross, a school district spokeswoman. At least $10 million in damages are being sought, attorneys said.
Marysville police arrested Babcock in April after a month-long investigation into a suspicious grandmother's complaints about Babcock's activities.
Babcock made a habit of locking the door to his office while he was with students. He further screened the view into the room by painting a window, placing a curtain over a door window and dimming the lights, claims documents alleged.
Angry claimants later accused district officials brushing off several complaints about Babcock's activities and negligently failing to monitor his actions.
Curry imposed the maximum sentence requested by he prosecution, but only after ticking off those mitigating factors which might have called for a lighter term.
Babcock had no prior criminal record, was well educated, held an advanced degree, confessed early on, cooperated with law enforcement and showed remorse.
Moreover, as defense attorney Worrell noted, Babcock had not only saved the court a lot of money and the victims' and their families a considerable anguish by pleading guilty, thus avoiding an extended trial.
Before closing he book on Babcock, Curry told him he would not lecture him on his conduct, but wanted instead to talk to the group which gathered for the proceedings - including two small boys around eight years old.
Reading through the probation report some statements by parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and other relatives concerned him, Curry said, giving examples.
One parent said, "they felt guilty they didn't realize sooner and done something to protect" the child, according to Curry.
Another expressed "fear that the child will later o the same thing," Curry cited.
Rather than stew over those such past things, Curry advised the parents, grandparents and other relatives it would be sit down with the child and "hug 'em, love 'em and tell 'em its unconditional."
in Yuba child molest case
Sac Bee Excloo
MARYSVILLE 9/27/02 (YSN) - The proceedings were moved to the main courtroom to handle the crowd and Kleenex was dispensed before the defendant arrived: that's how big a deal the sentencing of William W. Babcock was in Yuba County Friday.
Former elementary school counselor Babcock, 54, pleaded guilty in Yuba County Superior and acknowledged other lewd actions with 10 boys under 18.
Judge James Curry sentenced Babcock to consecutive prison terms totaling 22 years. He will not be eligible for parole for at least 18 years, defense attorney Rick Worrell said.
While a licensed counselor, Babcock had been a school advisor with the Marysville Joint Unified School District for about eight years.
The parent of one victim, "T.G." spoke out at the sentencing, telling Babcock of the impact his acts as a trusted advisor have had on the children.
"You have ruined their trust and innocence forever. You took advantage of children who were already had problems," she said, tearfully.
So far, 16 claims have been filed against the district in connection with the Babcock criminal cases, according to Jamie Marross, a school district spokeswoman. At least $10 million in damages are being sought, attorneys said.
Marysville police arrested Babcock in April after a month-long investigation into a suspicious grandmother's complaints about Babcock's activities.
Babcock made a habit of locking the door to his office while he was with students. He further screened the view into the room by painting a window, placing a curtain over a door window and dimming the lights, claims documents alleged.
Angry claimants later accused district officials brushing off several complaints about Babcock's activities and negligently failing to monitor his actions.
Curry imposed the maximum sentence requested by he prosecution, but only after ticking off those mitigating factors which might have called for a lighter term.
Babcock had no prior criminal record, was well educated, held an advanced degree, confessed early on, cooperated with law enforcement and showed remorse.
Moreover, as defense attorney Worrell noted, Babcock had not only saved the court a lot of money and the victims' and their families a considerable anguish by pleading guilty, thus avoiding an extended trial.
Before closing he book on Babcock, Curry told him he would not lecture him on his conduct, but wanted instead to talk to the group which gathered for the proceedings - including two small boys around eight years old.
Reading through the probation report some statements by parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and other relatives concerned him, Curry said, giving examples.
One parent said, "they felt guilty they didn't realize sooner and done something to protect" the child, according to Curry.
Another expressed "fear that the child will later o the same thing," Curry cited.
Rather than stew over those such past things, Curry advised the parents, grandparents and other relatives it would be sit down with the child and "hug 'em, love 'em and tell 'em its unconditional."
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