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twitterTeacher’s bail set at $1.3 million in sex assault case
Richard Brian
Charles Richard “Rick” Rogers, 46, a teacher at Garrett Junior High and a city youth soccer coach, listens in during his bail hearing Tuesday in Boulder City Justice Court.
Published Tuesday, April 7, 2009 | 2:49 p.m.
Updated Tuesday, April 7, 2009 | 7:54 p.m.
A Garrett Junior High School teacher will remain in jail on $1.3 million bail on child sexual assault and child pornography charges, a Boulder City judge ruled today.
Justice of the Peace Victor Miller raised Charles Richard “Rick” Rogers’ bail from $125,000 after police discovered video clips they allege show Rogers having sex with boys. The footage was among the tapes, computer disks, thumb drives and photos confiscated from Rogers’ home March 26.
In one of the clips, the victim appears to have been drunk or drugged, Police Chief Thomas Finn said.
Miller last week had bail set at $75,000 on 64 counts of possession of child pornography with the condition that Rogers remain on house arrest in Clark County but outside Boulder City. During a follow-up bail hearing today, Miller said the additional charges of sexual assault and lewdness with a minor and use of a minor in child pornography prompted the change.
He also set a date for a preliminary hearing of April 21. At the hearing, Miller will weigh the evidence to determine whether to send the case to District Court for trial.
Chief Deputy District Attorney James Sweetin said he expected three witnesses to testify at that hearing.
Several of the new charges carry possible life sentences, Miller said, making Rogers a flight risk in his eyes. In addition, Miller is now has a concern about the safety of the community, he said.
“There is one safety concern when the charge is possession,” he said. “It’s another when young males are involved and their lives are at risk because of the alleged acts.”
Chief Deputy District Attorney James Sweetin described scenes police found on computer media they confiscated from his home.
In one clip, Rogers is seen performing sex acts on a boy 8 to 10 years old; in another clip, he is seen performing acts on another boy between 6 and 8 years old, Sweetin said.
In another clip time-stamped Jan. 14, 2006, Rogers is seen with three boys ages 6 to 8, 8 to 10 and 10 to 12 years old. The boys perform sex acts on each other and with Rogers, Sweetin said. In all of the video, the furniture is the same as what police found in Rogers’ home, according to arrest reports.
Police are still trying to identify all of the child victims, Sweetin said. The Boulder City Police Department has enlisted the help of county, state and federal agencies in that task, Finn said.
“In my memory, I don’t recall seeing anything like this in Clark County,” said Sweetin, who had sought bail of $1 million.
Finn said the community was shocked at the allegations initially and thought maybe Rogers had been framed, but he said he has watched the videos and can vouch for what is being alleged.
“It is by far the most disturbing case of child abuse I’ve seen in my 28 years as a cop,” Finn said.
Judy Pitts, who attended the hearing, said she was among those who didn’t believe the allegations but that evidence that has come forth that has changed her mind.
“Everybody in Boulder City is shocked by this,” she said.
Discussion: 24 comments so far…
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just two weeks ago I was a monster for Jumping to conclusions about this guy... bottom line... sicko ..people dont get it these guys always make it seem like they are the last person who would ever do this becuase they are doing nothing but trying to make it seem like they are not the sick animal that they are....I feel bad for the parents and the kids that guy had on his team...... no death penalty just put him in general population and se how he holds up....Now lets here about what a good guy he is and he was framed i'm sure the tip was from one of the past abused kids that grew up......
Uh huh...now where are the schmucks that said he was framed? These poor children.
If any "silver lining" is in this terrible, terrible situation - is that sex ed at the earliest possible age needs to be mandatory! I think that little boy's have been left out. So many of us are more concerned about our daughters, sisters... and dismiss our boys as strong enough and able to fend for themselves. This absolute creep is a huge wake-up call in this community. If guilty, life imprisonment is the only option. If the Sun article is even near accurate that this pervert engaged in adult sex acts with 8-year-olds then "punishment" is too meek. This upsetting - disgusting - turn of events should provoke a complete study of this pervert's entire existence. A family tree of sorts. Childhood, adolescence, early adulthood. What exactly was in this thing's mind. How, where, and why he carried out his "longings." How was it kept so secret for so very long? A thousand questions that must be answered. Killing him sounds wonderful - but does nothing to help all of us understand and be able to take proactive measures. Yes, we need to "profile" these types of human trash. I predict he will put forth some sort of insanity plea - and might be convicted using such. Make sure our DA gets something more.
Comment removed by staff.
Nevadafive: Your absolutely right about educating all of our children about sexual predators and inappropriate touches, however, the article states that the boys appeared "DRUGGED" no amount of teaching will help a child if they are drugged, or an adult for that matter. What we really need to do is keep our children close, and closer still.
This teacher must have left a path of red flags in his sexual massacre. As people, we don't want to confront the very horrific nature of child molesters, pedophiles and sexual predators because the very idea makes us want to vomit, therefore we tend to gloss over the red flags we see in people.
Who in their right mind would want to suspect a teacher of being sexually deviant? But we must start being proactive with our safety and our children's safety.
Don't leave your children alone with anyone that you do not know, very well. Check the different web sites for the sexual predators in your neighborhood.
Listen to your children and ask questions.
The bottom line for the boys that this filthy pervert sexually assaulted is that they will never be the same, he has taken away their innocence and exposed them to the seedy world of exploitation.
Now maybe people will see just how sick pornography really is,,especially child porn.
I told you that child porn and child molesters go hand-hand.
This is truly disturbing, I agree..
While I agree that what he did was unbelievable damaging to those children and justice should be carried out to the full extent of the law, I don't think we should be so judgmental of others.. This man suffers from sin just as we all do, just in a different way.
In our eyes it is way worse than someone stealing a candy bar because of the effect it will have on the lives of those children,their friends/family, and our community.. However, in Gods eyes, sin is sin. We all suffer from it one way or another... Not one of us is perfect.
Lets pretend he was wrongfully accused.. Now, in that situation, put yourself in his shoes.. Your life would be ruined even though you didn't do anything because of someone bearing false witness.. Again, I'm not saying that I believe he was because of all the proof they have, but a little understanding of mans fallen state keeps us from harboring hate in our heart which leads to our own destruction..
This man will reap what he sewed.
Grace and Peace everyone.
"This man will reap what he sewed."
I wasn't aware Rogers was a tailor as well as a teacher.
KillerB,
Lol.. that "reaping what you sew" would actually be akin to being a farmer, you know.. reaping the harvest, sewing the seeds..
Proverbs.... are you kidding? How was he set up being that he was in the videos molesting these young boys? You and your bible beating self can take it elsewhere, I hate this man and all men like him. I think we should slaughter them like animals, thats even better then what these kinds of people deserve!
The new evidence could have justified a no bail ruling instead of the increase to $1.3 million. With a conviction imminent, Rogers should face retributive justice and the possibility of multiple life sentences. I would just caution some of the above commentators - Are you convinced that your lust for vengeance is that much superior to Rogers' lust for sex? Your rage suggests you are loathing Rogers, but also something about your own yearnings...
Scott Senjo
Professor of Criminal Justice
Proverbs -- no, farmers "sow"
ssenjo -- couldn't have said it better myself.
I would suggest that those who do NOT loath this man and his heinous acts should be a whole lot more concerned about THEIR own yearnings rather than the ones who DO loath this man and his heinous acts. This is not a lust for vengeance but rather a strong human desire to see a wrong be righted - and life in prison is a good place to start - that is unless you non-loathers aren't worried that this human piece of fecal matter might be freed to offend yet another innocent child.
Angellee,
You are very quick to let your tongue loose.. I didn't say that he was set up. With so much hate coming from your heart it makes sense why you would put words in others mouths... You can say that I'm Bible beating which is fine.. you are entitled to your own opinion
Angellee,
I want to apologize for my last comment, I had to leave my desk fast and didn't read over the words very well.. I have to admit your comment made me a little upset because I felt you misunderstood me..
Wherever God's words are written, there is truth to them, be it in a Bible or elsewhere. They are authoritative and I can see how they would be offensive to people - Especially those who don't want to hear the truth.
Rick Rodgers should be punished, as I said, to the full extent of the law. It is disgusting and vicious behavior, but I refuse to hate him for what he has done. Instead, I feel sorrow for the victims of such an awful crime.
I pray that those who fill up their hearts with hatred will come to understand the joy and peace that comes from a loving heart.
Let he who is without sin cast the first stone... Christ spent his time with the worst of the worst and the sick of the sick because He understood that's where Love was needed most.
Proverbs: So if someone were to write God's words on the bathroom wall in a public bathroom, there would be truth to them? God did not write the Bible, men wrote what they "thought" God was saying. There is no actual proof that God wrote anything. The bible has always been up for different interpretations, hence the many different views of God's words, ie, Catholic, Jewish, Morman and the like. If there was a book that God had actually written himself, then we would all be following the same religion.
From what I understand Jesus specifically stated that he did not want man to write down what he said because he knew that his actions would be misconstrued.
The Bible itself has been twisted and warped to fit any number of hideous crimes against humanity.
You told Angellee that she had a right to her opinion and then you quickly chastised her for the very opinion you said she had a right to state.
I want to hear the "truth" but certainly not from the likes of someone like you.
Yes, we make mistakes, however, this man is the scum of the earth and many would wish him dead. I, however wish him alive and well when he goes to prison. Fresh meat is always welcomed in prison.
This man liked his victims young so as to have ultimate power over their minds and bodies. Prisoners will treat him exactly as he treated the young boys in his video, he won't be drugged of course, but he will be painfully aware of what is happening to him. I really hope they don't try to keep him in isolation, he deserves a just punishment, befitting a pervert.
You can thump your little book all you want, but we are outraged and rightfully so and nothing you can say will change that and bringing God into this situation is very hypocritical of you considering that your God and his word changes all the time.
Perhaps you should "sew" your Bible to your fingers and stop typing pure crap.
It is very important that youngsters wanting to tell their sins in the confessional be accompanied by their parents. After all, you never know who is on the other side of the screen.
Yeh, I'm a nasty person. But you also know I'm right. Fruits and vegetables are everywhere....
Starrynite,
I'm sorry you feel that you have to attack me.. I will be praying for you.
This discussion of course is supposed to be regarding Rick Rodgers and the crime(s) he committed so I won't get into a big theological discussion with you on the validity of scripture.. but if you really want to we can email each other or even meet up for coffee. I would only do this if your sincere about having a mature discussion.. I'm not one to waste time with those who just wish to vent their disagreements.
you said "From what I understand Jesus specifically stated that he did not want man to write down what he said because he knew that his actions would be misconstrued."
Cite where you got that information and I'll take an honest look at it.
You seem to take my compassion for people and the sin they struggle with as me condoning the crimes they commit.. I don't know what I could say that would make it any more clear -- I despise the evil that is in this world and the victims it claims.
C'mon man, holding in all that rage does no good at all, especially to you. Justice will be served..
Don't you see? You are allowing yourself to become a victim of your own anger.. It slowly changes you whether you notice or not.. "Slaughtering him like an animal" will not change a thing. There will always be people who commit evil in this world.. If you really care, why not turn your anger into something useful and raise awareness of child abuse.. What are you bringing to the table?
This is just a gay perv who went after young boys.
Proverb: I did not say that he should be, "Slaughtered like an animal" that was someone else. I really care and I bring a lot to the table for kids. I bring books..I teach children how to read so they can escape the pain they feel. Books bring hope and love. When I look at my students and then I read things in the paper, such as this story, I can not believe there is such evil in the world. In Boulder city, no less.
How can anyone be so cruel and heartless to children? You want me to just forgive this man after all the damage he has done to those boys?
I fully accept that we are all human and that we make mistakes, but, I just don't understand how God could let such evil into this world? I will never understand.
Starrynite,
I know you didn't say he should be slaughtered like an animal, it was angellee..
That is wonderful to hear the good work you do with the children.. I feel you have the right heart buddy.. I understand why everyone is quick to anger.. If it was one of my own daughters that was molested I feel that I would fall victim to my anger because that would hit me so close to home.. I would want to kill the guy.. I wouldn't be able to forgive him for quite some time..
You see, when an evil crime is committed like this one, the greatest victims are of course the children, but we don't realize how easily we let ourselves become victimized by the crime... We are filled with anger, rage.. it consumes our soul.. permeates our thoughts.. clouds are judgement.. it leaves little room for Love and understanding which is what the world needs.
I didn't want to get all biblical but I have found the words written by man through inspiration from God have rang true in my experiences in my life. Following the Lords advice has always kept me happy.. I respect that you don't have the same views that I do, sincerely.. I hope you find answers to your questions my friend.. I attend Central Christian Church in Henderson and they recently did a series on the tough questions like the one you posed, I dunno, just some food for thought..
I'm down for the night, daily grind bright and early..
A taxpayer just never knows where his public school dollars are really going now does he?
Has a bail Rick out fund drive been started by the CCSD?
Ok Boulder city ,Las Vegas ,Clark County, Nevada and the entire United States of America..I have some news for you and your people..The reason why people like this get away with molesting your children is because you have declared war on the wrong class of people..You have declared war on Islam ,African Americans ,Hispanics and anyone else who dosn"t fit your pale profile. For the past 50yrs you have locked up young blacks and hispanics for the petty of crimes forexample three strike laws for petty drug cases.In this attempt to hold back generations of future hard working familly men.You have totally allowed the worst of your kind to thrive prosper and multiply right under your noses.The Irony is crazy...That pale face coach look weird if you would take your racial blinders off and just look.What is this grown ass man with no wife doing coaching and hanging out with these little boys..I bet if the coachname was Hussein ,Perez or Muhammad you wouldnt feel so comfortable leaving your sons. Its time to declare war on these predators.They wont be hard to profile White Male 21-70yrs old. Dont trust them with your children!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
sandiegod-whatever -- Nothing like a bit of reverse racism to spice it up. And profiling, too -- ALL "White Male 21-70yrs old."
Naaawww. Let's just go back to all non-whites. That goes better with this crowd.
You will all be pleased to know that rick rogers is also the sex ed teacher for the boys portion! this just keeps getting more disgusting.