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Lancaster business owner and church volunteer found guilty of multiple sex crimes

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Richard Kelso, of the Kelso Investigative Group in Lancaster, was found guilty Tuesday of three counts of contact with a minor for sexual offense, two counts of lewd act upon a child, and one count of inducing a child to engage in a lewd act. He is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 13, 2016, and faces a possible maximum sentence of 12 years in state prison. [Booking photo via LASD]
Richard Kelso, owner of the Kelso Investigative Group in Lancaster, was found guilty Tuesday, Nov. 3, of three counts of contact with a minor for sexual offense, two counts of lewd act upon a child, and one count of inducing a child to engage in a lewd act. He is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 13, 2016, and faces a possible maximum sentence of 12 years in state prison. [Booking photo via LASD]
LANCASTER – A local business owner who led several youth groups while volunteering at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lancaster is guilty of molesting a boy he met at the church.

An Antelope Valley jury on Tuesday found 35-year-old Richard Michael Kelso guilty of six felony sex crimes – three counts of contact with a minor for sexual offense, two counts of lewd act upon a child, and one count of inducing a child to engage in a lewd act, according to Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami, who prosecuted the case.

“A man who was preying on young people at his church is now behind bars and will have to finally accept responsibility for his actions,” Hatami said. “Our community is safer after the jury’s verdict.”

Kelso’s sex crimes occurred during the summer of 2013 and involved a then 15-year-old male victim who was a member of Kelso’s confirmation group at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lancaster, according to prosecutor. Hatami used the victim’s testimony, along with phone records, recorded statements from Kelso and text messages to describe for the jury how Kelso encouraged and manipulated sexual interactions between the male victim and a 14-year-old girl. Kelso did so because he was “getting off on it,” the prosecutor said.

“He’s a weasel, a predator, a sexual deviant and a lot more things,” Hatami told the jury.

In his closing statement, Hatami read several text messages Kelso sent to the male victim. Kelso discussed giving the boy a “tour” of the boy’s body to show him “where everything is,” he discussed the measurements of the boy’s penis, and he encouraged the boy to shave his pubic hairs and discussed the possibility of helping him, according to the text messages read by the prosecutor.

“You will be a professional when we are done,” read one of the text messages, purportedly from Kelso to the 15-year-old male victim.

In proving the molestation charges against Kelso, the prosecutor played a recorded conversation of Kelso admitting to the male victim’s father that he had touched the boy’s penis. The conversation was recorded by the victim’s father when he confronted Kelso at Kelso’s home, according to the prosecutor.

During his closing statement, defense attorney Michael Williamson described Kelso as a “standup guy” who provided for his family, as well as his employees at the Kelso Investigative Group.

The text messages presented by the prosecutor were taken out of order and out of context; and the male victim’s story was inconsistent and lacked credibility, the defense attorney argued. He said Kelso was only “trying to advise a young man who was asking for advice.”

Williamson also pointed out that the girl’s version of the events did not match the male victim’s story. The girl who had a relationship with the male victim in 2013 is not named as a victim in the criminal complaint. She testified during the trial as a defense witness.

“You should find that this case is built on speculation, innuendo, conjecture and assumption…” Williamson told the jury in his closing statement.

The jury deliberated for two hours Tuesday before finding Kelso guilty on all counts. Kelso, who was out on bond, was remanded to custody.

He is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 13, 2016. Kelso faces a possible maximum sentence of 12 years in state prison.

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Filed Under: Crime/ Safety

64 comments for "Lancaster business owner and church volunteer found guilty of multiple sex crimes"

  1. Looking into this case , I have found that this molester ” Richard Michael kelso” had a previous ploy to conduct the exact same thing he did 4 years prior almost identical to this story, seing the factual evidence first hand , I can say many children are safe now that this pathetic individual is behind bars , the damage that he inflicted on so many can never be repaired , but knowing that he is behind bars is a starting point . And to anyone who supports ” rick” their sanity must be in question , to support this monster is a sin on itself it’s a disservice to humanity to even assume innocence of this guy on what basis? That he seemed cool he wouldn’t do that ? The facts people are so prominent that it does not leave any room for confusing they are solid , so I say to the rick supporters have compassion for the victims in this case , and wake up to reality , educate yourself on the facts and accept that ” Rick” fooled many , but at the end he is the fool , I can only hope that on january 13th the judge hands down the maximum sentence allowed the longer he is in prison the safer children will be

  2. I’m in no way related to either side of this trial, but I have watched it closely and have some interesting observations.

    It’s great to watch Jay lie about the defendant’s daughter’s testimony. His son and the defendant’s daughter did not have the same testimony, and let’s not forget that Jay’s family personally knows the investigator he sicced on the Kelso family.

    Jay is quick to regurgitate what was official in the trial, but what about the witnesses that were pressured not to testify? What about the judge who has a personal relationship with both the DA and the investigator? The judge was quick to deny most motions the defense made, and the investigator was caught purposefully omitting a majority of the text messages because she found them “not relevant”. A person who watched the trial could easily watch the judge shop online, completely ignoring what was going on during the prosecution’s argument.

    For those who actually look into the case, there are countless errors made by the judge and evidence that conveniently disappeared or didn’t add up. It’s extremely idiotic for anyone to have feelings on this case who has not done the proper research. (What kind of DA verbally abuses a sixteen year old girl outside the courtroom?)

    Lastly, isn’t it great how hard Jay is trying to convince everyone? Dedicating an email to “answer” questions for people? Why would any semi-intelligent person ask a biased party for information? I’m pretty sure true victims do not spend their free time revisiting their alleged trauma.

    Sure, my argument focuses on aiding the defense, but that’s only because I see one side not being properly represented here. Maybe that’s because the defense truly are victims, and as such should not want to revisit this trauma.

    • Neutral , why even use that screen name if you can’t comprehend the meaning of it? It’s obvious you are not neutral, “aiding the defense” as you say yourself contradicts your comment , so anything you say is flawed , yet I will entertain your flawed perception of the facts, first are you the mandated reporter ? No your not, you do not know the statements that were told to that individual , secondly you state ” the judge was shopping online” you must of been sitting behind the judge ? Have you ever met “Richard Michael kelso” ? He is a very awkward individual can not keep a conversation with an adult yet gets along great with children , you say you followed the case then you know what was said in those texts , they were horrible what man would text those things to a child ?

      • Don’t waist your time with these id**** that don’t understand that it’s meaningless if the kid, judge, DA ETC. lied or didn’t do there job….blah blah blah. The tapes are clear the text are clear and the POS sent a text apologizing. That’s why the 12 jurors convicted in two hours hahahaha…..oh wait the 12 jurors must be friends too and didn’t do there jobs also…what a joke you no common sense like the very few others on here.

  3. I cannot for the life of me comprehend how in the world Kelso still has supporters! Kelso admitted on tape to a very sexually deviant act with minors, he conducted his crimes under the guise of a supporting religious ed leader and by his non-remorseful actions to place blame on his victim and the victim’s family. Kelso is a sexual predator that unfortunately has had years of experience mastering his “craft”.

  4. The victim lied about so many things. He didn’t even show any source of emotions, at his testimony. I’m pretty sure the mothers victim trained him well to put an act of this situation. Karma is a b***t tho.

    • Ann , Text show no emotion , they do not lie , did you read the article ? Did you read some of the comments here that specifically state what those text said ? Ann I think you are oblivious to the facts and your comment itself is based on emotion , you can not overlook the facts it is digesting that an adult would even engage about sexual conversation with a child , it is a horrible situation but accept the truth and stop living in a false sense of hope fed by your denial

    • Ann, I have not heard a single person say this. Clearly all 12 jurors did not see it that way.

      One way that the defense could have better put its story out would have been for the defendant to testify. Why was he silent? Because his case was going so well? Why did he send the texts? Why did he reach out to the victim’s mother the next day and apologize for his behavior? Please stop blaming the victim. There is a mountain of evidence against the defendant, and this is why he is guilty of six felony sex offenses.

      There seems to be this desire to blame everyone but the defendant. Bad cop, bad lawyer, bad judge, etc. Can’t you accept the conclusion that the evidence, the charges, and the verdicts all point to the guilt of the defendant?

      • Jay Di Silvestri, I sent you an email I’m not sure if you received it can you please let me know, thank you

  6. Hey none of us are here to judge … I have been in a jury before and it was a long one I will never do it again the last day drive to the courthouse I prayed to God to help me get in a bad car accident … it was the jury for hell… and I mean hell.. I think it was wrong even to this day bit when you have bullies in there you are frighten ….. so I could never convict Rick deep it my heart I see so many people lie.. so who are you and I to judges ….. I believe Rick and his family .. and don’t tell me victims don’t lie they do a lot more them we know and so do the cops to trap you I so it on the case I was on…… I will stand up and said enough of this [removed].. who are you to judge … If you do you better be God……. being a juror sucks and having jurors bully you sucks more.. what if one day someone tells the truth then what.. remember victims lie to…….

    • I’m sorry to hear that you had a bad experience as a juror. If you believe Rick, then you should believe: 1) his tape recorded confession where he admitted to touching the fifteen year old boy’s penis to examine it after the boy shaved his pubic hair at Rick’s suggestion, 2) his text messages where he asks the boy to measure his penis and send back the measurements, where he offers to give his then 14-year-old step-daughter and the boy a “tour” “showing you where everything is and teach you how to work it,” “Great, I’ll give you a tour next week and you will be very well educated,” discusses with the boy that the girl believed his pubic hair was excessive and encouraged him to shave it. If you believe Rick’s family, then you should believe the social worker and priest to whom Rick’s step-daughter stated that Rick, while she and the boy were making out on a couch while on a trip to Oregon, came downstairs and, after encouraging them to proceed with their make-out session: 1) put the boy’s hand into the girl’s pants to touch her vagina; put the girl’s hand into the boy’s pants to touch his penis, and engaged in similar voyeuristic behavior on two separate car trips to the movie theater and to Wal Mart. My name is above and you can look up my address on the State Bar website. Feel free to stop by my office any time and I’ll gladly show you the text messages and let you listen to Rick’s recorded confession. As for there being any “bullies” in the jury deliberation room, I am not aware of any such allegations and sincerely hope that was not the case. If evidence of juror misconduct ever arose, as a mutual friend of both sides, I’d be the first to push for a re-trial on Rick’s behalf. Also, [removed] Jay Di Silverstri, has set up an email address where he is fielding questions about the facts and is happy to provide factual information to anybody who is seeking the truth in this matter: kelsoinformation@gmail.com

    • “Wow…” you can not lump your past case you sat on as a jury member with this one. You’re comparing apples and oranges. These jurors were able to read physical text messages sent by Rick to the boy. They were able to listen to Rick, in his own voice, admit to “helping” the kids physically. They read his apology text to the victim’s mother. They didn’t even have to consider the testimony from the girls or boy. If you were a juror and you read “She seems excited about a tour. She’s OK with me showing you where everything is and teach you how to work it. Are you comfortable if I do the same for you?” (This was one of the least graphic texts.) Then, you read 20 more sexually explicit texts sent by him in addition to a text admitting what he did was wrong and he was sorry, do you think you would have to bully any other jurors into siding with you that he was guilty? It was so obvious to these twelve strangers that he was guilty, it only took a couple of hours for them to all agree on the guilty verdict. You need to step away from the friend/family platform and look at the facts in this case. I didn’t want to believe it at first, but, once presented with the facts, I supported the victim. It is disgusting that this boy is being demonized!

    • The question we have to consider is why would the victim lie? I completely understand the defense had to take that tack; the facts and evidence were not kind to Rick Kelso. But how does lying about such tawdry, humiliating subject matter benefit the victim? It seems quite a stretch to put himself and his family through all this for . . .what? Now, we are welcome to our opinions, but 12 jurors heard more fact and evidence in five days than anyone commenting on this site. On the other hand, Rick Kelso and his family had every motive to lie. I take no joy in saying that. That motivation lingers, post verdict. I understand their emotional state. I can only imagine the pain his loved ones are going through. I simply hope and pray that they will find peace, Rick will get the help he needs while facing the consequences of his actions, and that all involved can move on from this sordid mess.

      • You really should of not commented specially what you said , no need to explain why either. Also, the main people commenting have heard the facts and seen the facts plus more you won’t ever know. Real family in here anonymous that obtained everything a juror heard plus more probably so keep your smart assumptions to yourself.

      • Wrong…several people on here heard the exact evidence jury heard and probably more and that is also a fact…info only.

  7. I was a religious education teacher at Sacred Heart in 2008-2010.. I never really knew him like that THANK GOD.. In my eyes he is a sicko who needs to rott in HELL.. For someone who considers himself a follower of God he is full of [removed].. Who knows how many other victims are out there poor children what is this world coming to if our kids are not even safe at our local church..He will get his in jail..Hopefully he gets 12 years or more… Someone who hurts an inoccent child in any way needs to pay for there sins..How dare anyone say he is a nice guy did he molest you too and you must of liked it.. Jerk no respect for you..Who cares if he pays the bills .. Now its time to get a job like the rest of us and stop relying on a child molester..

  8. I belong to the Sacred Heart Church – this is Ugly, very Ugly – who is in-charge of this church? Should Resign now

    • I am a local attorney, sat through her testimony in court, and also know the Defendant, his wife, the male victim, and his family personally. In any event, according solely to her courtroom testimony, this witness is Rick Kelso’s step-daughter and he has raised her since she was four or five. She calls him “Dad.” The district attorney asked her on cross-examination who pays the bills in her house. She responded that Rick Kelso pays the bills. He also asked whether, if Rick Kelso went away for a long time, that would create a dire financial situation in her house. She said “yes.” The D.A. asked the same questions to her adult older sister, who is 20 or 21 and who also lives in the same house, and she answered affirmatively as well.

      • You must be very proud of yourself- outing the 13-year-old girl involved in the case so that she can now be held up to public ridicule. As an attorney, aren’t you concerned that this can be seen as misconduct? Identifying a minor? What exactly is your interest in this case? If justice has been served why do you continue to drag a MINOR through the mud or “explain” a case you weren’t involved in? If you are just acting as a concerned citizen, why mention the fact that you’re an attorney. Here, let me even the score: if anyone is interested, the “victim” in the case is the son of Jay DiSilvestri who also feels that he needs to continue explaining what he says is Kelso’s obvious guilt. Why? What purpose does it serve? Is it because many who know Joey know that he is a compulsive liar? Does anyone wonder why a “pedophile” would not act on this deviancy until his thirties and choose as his very first victim the son of friend?
        Jude Aoun, nobody does anything without a reason. You don’t sound like pursuing justice is your cause, you sound like an ambulance chaser hoping to get a piece of any civil lawsuit that might follow.

          • Lynn you are pathetic no need to explain. Jay I wouldn’t waist your time convincing an idiot that can’t see why you and I have been trying to open these blind people’s eyes…

          • Hey are you very very slow too? You hipicrit just outed a kid also!! And he didn’t say her name and who cares she is close to me and I totally think jay is handling you sick protectors very well. Do you not understand that it doesn’t matter if the kid lied about somestuff. THE SICK POS IS CAUGHT ON TAPE SAYING HE TOUCHED THE BOY AND THERE IS PLENTY OF DISGUSTING TEXTS. SO WHO CARES ABOUT YOUR SON SAYING HE LIES BECAUSE THAT IS MEANINGLESS. GET YOUR FACTS BEFORE YOU POST ID**.

          • But you have no problem with Jude Aoun identifying the teenage girl in this case? You have no criticism of his “outing” of her as indicated by your silence, but isn’t she a “victim”, too, and deserving of shielding? The media didn’t identify her- why did this poor excuse for a lawyer? I’d almost be willing to bet that he’s YOUR attorney!
            Tell us, why did the accusation come right after the girl tried to break up with [removed]? Why did Oregon decline to prosecute?
            I’ll ask you the same thing I asked Aoun: why is it necessary to create an email account and encourage continued public scrutiny if justice has been served?

          • First of all the word is spelled “hypocrite” and secondly the identity was made in a post before mine!
            You are correct in saying that he may not be lying in this case- just because he has a reputation for it. Previous behavior is no indicator of future behavior… Just as we can never know when someone may become a predator and deviant with no prior history, right? As for texts and recordings, well, I’m sure that those can’t be edited, can they? These are examples of something called “sarcasm”- look it up.

          • WOW LYNN YOU ARE CLUELESS. First, I don’t care about mispelling on here which is ridiculous to point out on this serious subject. Second, I must have missed Jude so hell with her too. Also, I believe both Boy and girl are victims. So much Facts I know you won’t ever get the time of day to learn from me on here at least. You are very sad to come on here with your meaningless comments. How dum can you be thinking a tape was edited when RICK clearly admitting what he did and there are NO DISTORTIONS IN HIS TEXT AS I SAW AND HEARD IT ALL. F OREGON..if u don’t realize by now, it’s obvious your a kelso family member/friend and trying to ingnore facts. So basically your points are very stupid because your trying to speak on people that know details that the courts didn’t even hear. People who are very close to the girl and feel for both a lot. You just have NO COMMON SENSE..done on here and jay you should be too now that we have these clowns.

          • Shame on you. Do not attack the victim. [removed] has been honest and brave throughout this whole process. What exactly is the lie you are referring to? Rick confessed to everything. Was Rick’s apology a lie? How about the texts? If the story is incorrect, why did Rick refuse to take the stand? If you really have an accusation to level, please use your full name. These anonymous accusations are easy to post but meaningless unless you give some detail. Please tell us your name, and the “lie” you are referring to.

        • Dear Lynn, As you and Rick’s delusional supporters are now attacking my husband, I feel it only right to respond to you. My husband has not hid behind any nicknames or fake names. He made it clear who he was and that he was a former friend of both families. He became an outspoken supporter of justice after reading two years worth of gloating posts on Facebook written by Rick Kelso. (We have the thousands of pages of said posts if you would like to read any.) The [removed] family was silent while Rick had two years to brainwash all of you. We had asked Jay for the truth, early on, as we were friends with both families. After hearing the audio and reading the texts it was clear to us who the real victim was. Both Jay and Jude have only ever responded to Rick’s supporters’ false statements on this site as well as social media. Jude never once said the girl’s name. The judge made her name and last initial public record, but Jude still didn’t even use that. As far as your accusation that “nobody does anything without reason,” I’m proud to say, my husband does! He took many hours out of his busy “ambulance chasing” hours to genuinely support a 15-year-old VICTIM, his cancer ridden mother and a very hard-working father of seven kids as it became extremely clear that Rick’s two year head start garnering support based on lies had left many friends unwilling to get involved. “Does anyone wonder why a “pedophile” would not act on this deviancy until his thirties and choose as his very first victim the son of friend?” I’m just going to post a link describing pedophilia as you clearly don’t understand the subject.( http://neuroanthropology.net/2010/05/10/inside-the-mind-of-a-pedophile/ ) Lastly, you can contact Kelso’s attorney and request the 1,600+ copy of texts AND instant messages his expert pulled from Rick’s phone, all unedited and even more damning! I’m sure he’ll gladly show you! (Thanks for your lesson on sarcasm!) I thank you for your idea of suing Kelso, but my husband doesn’t collect money from individuals; he only goes after multi-billion dollar auto manufacturers and insurance companies!

        • Lynn, your rationalization needs to be calibrated your way off , your points are dull, yet you try and cut through logic ? you try and shift the subject matter of this forum to ridicule an attorney ? And try and sneak your dull points as to way you believe rick is innocent , editing a tape ? So you bekeuve that the father who just was told horrible news would be in the state of mind to edit a tape ? That’s just ridiculous , I’ve heard that tape I’ve heard the reaction there is no way it was edited , the texting is clear as day also , please save yourself from looking foolish and don’t comment on this subject if you can’t comprehend ,

        • Dear Lynn, As you and Rick’s delusional supporters are now attacking my husband, I feel it only right to respond to you. My husband has not hid behind any nicknames or fake names. He made it clear who he was and that he was a former friend of both families. He became an outspoken supporter of justice after reading two years worth of gloating posts on Facebook written by Rick Kelso. (We have the thousands of pages of said posts if you would like to read any.) The [removed] family was silent while Rick had two years to brainwash all of you. We had asked Jay for the truth, early on, as we were friends with both families. After hearing the audio and reading the texts it was clear to us who the real victim was. Both Jay and Jude have only ever responded to Rick’s supporters’ false statements on this site as well as social media. Jude never once said the girl’s name. The judge made her name and last initial public record, but Jude still didn’t even use that. As far as your accusation that “nobody does anything without reason,” I’m proud to say, my husband does! He took many hours out of his busy “ambulance chasing” hours to genuinely support a 15-year-old VICTIM, his cancer ridden mother and a very hard-working father of seven kids as it became extremely clear that Rick’s two year head start garnering support based on lies had left many friends unwilling to get involved. “Does anyone wonder why a “pedophile” would not act on this deviancy until his thirties and choose as his very first victim the son of friend?” I kindly ask you to google “pedophilia” as I don’t want Rick’s camp to come up with any far fetched ideas claiming I’m accusing other family members of similar actions. You clearly need a q quick lesson on the subject! Lastly, you can contact Kelso’s attorney and request the 1,600+ pages of copies of texts AND instant messages HIS expert pulled from Rick’s phone, all unedited and even more damning! I’m sure he’ll gladly show you! (Thanks for your lesson on sarcasm!) I thank you for your idea of suing Kelso, but my husband doesn’t collect money from individuals; he only goes after multi-billion dollar auto manufacturers and insurance companies!

  10. “Gary” is Rick Kelso’s father. Of course he is going to blame the victim! The District Attorneys don’t prosecute innocent criminals. Rick had more than enough chances to make things right without getting our legal system involved. Instead, he chose to victimize himself on Facebook for more than two years, lying to all around him. He stole his victim’s innocence and his high school years from him! There was hard evidence, not just “he said, she said”, and TWELVE complete strangers sat through five days of testimony from both sides and made an unbiased decision to find him guilty. The victim’s family has been more than generous with their genuine concern for Rick’s family. Not many victims have that level of empathy for a perpetrator and his family. I know I would have cheered, not sat in silence, when the guilty verdict was read. This family has been treated like dirt by all of Rick’s friends and family for two years. And, at the end of all of this mess, their hearts hurt for them? They’re much better people than a lot of us! I do hope and pray, in time, the girls and his little boy are able to seek help and heal from all of this.

  11. Wow… I cannot believe this, as I was a member of the 2013 conformation class to get my sacraments. I never would’ve believed he would do something like this, he was always very normal around me; we would even talk about video games – that’s how normal it was. What is ironic is that he is a business owner of a private investigator group. I knew his family and they are very nice and warm hearted people, and I pray they do not get treated differently because of this, because of what HE has done. But it takes an open mind to think that way, that way which is not too popular in this valley.

  12. Sick predators all over this valley and churches!!!!!!!!watch who your kids talk to and text. Thank god the father was smart to catch him on a recording admitting it!!! Wow I hope the family and victim can move on knowing he’s away. I find it agresious that a grown man could text and talk to a kid like that and want kids to engage in acts…very sick!!!

    • There is great distortions in this story. The supposed “victim” had a vendetta against his girlfriend who broke up with him. I would trust mr. Kelso based on his integrity rather than a kid with a personality disorder. Another over reaction within child protective services of something based on heresay in another state. Oregon found no evidence for the case. A sad case of over zealous prosecutors.

      • Really? Are you confused. Fact: there are no distortions in the story when there is HARD EVIDENCE OF TEXTS AND HIM ADMITTING IT TOUCHED THE BOY..looks like you may be a predator yourself to pretext someone like that. So to insult a kid that was victimized is very sad. Kid will mental illness or not are INNOCENT.

      • Fact and opinion, The facts are clear as day there are no distortions in a text as you say gary, that is your opinion, no distortions in a recording those are facts, they speak volume and cant be misconstrued when looking at the subject of the information relayed by them. I understand that you’re opinion is just a grasp at hope laced with denial, by breaking down you’re comment I can see by the choice of words you chose, you must be closely related to the perp, and are bias, If you would separate yourself from whatever relationship you have with that individual and look at the facts rather than opinion ii am sure you will be able to see the truth, Its a text message how can that be distorted ? there was a recording admitting guilt? it states that in this article how is that over reaction ? you state just opinions not fact

      • Gary,
        We have to get away from the notion that Rick didn’t do it because Rick is “too nice a guy” or “not that kind of person”. The facts in this case are not in any real dispute. Rick admitted his guilt (on tape) and he apologized for his behavior later. Both the victim and the girl involved gave the same story to the mandated reporter.

        If there is any setting where people on both sides of the issue would like to go over the facts of the matter, I will show up and demonstrate that the facts are not in dispute. I don’t want to participate in anything unruly, but I’m happy to have a discussion. I will also listen to anything anyone has to say on this point, but there is just no dispute of the facts.

        If you want to argue that the facts don’t tell the whole story, that Rick was trying to “help”, this is at least a debatable point. I don’t think he was, and I think he just used that story as cover to do something evil, but I could I ever know what was in his head?

        Rick’s “supporters” are not helping him by trying to blame this on the victim. If you are going to defend Rick, you have the moral obligation to understand the details of this case, and be able to defend them. If anyone thinks it would be helpful to go through the facts of this case, I will take whatever time is necessary to explain why the verdicts were just, and how this whole trial could have been avoided if Rick had just faced up to his behavior.

        If you are friends of Rick and his family please support them in this tough time. Help however you can, but please do not distort the truth, or blame the victim, that approach isn’t going to help anyone, including Rick.

        • Hi Jay,
          Thank you for that information. I have heard a few things, and thought you might be able to clarify without giving too many details. My son was in Mr. Kelso’s RCI teen class. Was the victim in the class, or did Mr. Kelso know the victim and family personally, or both? I have heard and read both. Were any other students involved? You can imagine my shock reading this as SH did not inform us beforehand. I think I am trying to process and assess how much danger my son was in, if any. Thank you in advance.

        • Jay Di Silvestri, I would like to take you up on that offer its crucial that I obtain facts about this case , let me know how or when we could set up a meeting , thank you

          • Michael,

            I’m happy to talk. Can we start over email? I set up a new gmail account for just this traffic. I will monitor it and I will answer anyone who writes me looking for a discussion/information. The account is kelsoinformation@gmail.com. I can send you a few things that were introduced into evidence, and when I get the court transcripts I will provide those. If there is any information in the case that I am unaware of, I will listen to that as well.

          • The moral of the story is to basically not trust anyone, did you not get that? And I am not paranoid, ugh :(

          • Jay Di Silvestri, perfect and thank you for taking your time to clarify I will email the aforementioned address, thanks again

          • I’ve me with Jay and cannot thank him enough for the clarification. After seeing the evidence against Rick I have no doubt in my mind that he is not the person he said he was. My thoughts go out to all of those who were affected by this tragedy. Jay thank you for your time and if you ever need anything please let me know.

          • David whiskerson, you paranoid individual, “”trap” for what ? You need to get out more , he offered insight and I took him up in his offer to bring clarity to questions that need to be addressed so relax

      • So tell me this. Would you let your little boy or little girl spend the weekend with this guy all by themselves? Is a taped recording of the guy admitting his guilt not enough evidence for you. Sounds to me like you might be into the same type of stuff he is.

  13. SO sad! No wonder no one trusts or believes in God
    May God cover the victims with the blood of Jesus!