News

Actions

Chesapeake deputy’s attorney on 30-year-old accusations: ‘I think this is unprecedented’

Posted at 8:06 AM, Nov 22, 2013
and last updated 2013-11-22 17:43:45-05

A Chesapeake Sheriff's deputy was issued a $15,000 bond in a Virginia Beach court on Friday for sexual abuse crimes that allegedly occurred in the 1980s.

The judge took into account 42-year-old Keith Pitman's clean criminal record and the age of the accusations against him.

Pitman is accused of sexually assaulting two minors 30 years ago.

Prosecutors say Pitman babysat the victims and forced them to do sexual things to him.

Pitman would have been around 12-years-old at the time.

"I think this is unprecedented," said Pitman's attorney, Andrew Sack's.

Sacks says he doesn't think his client can be charged as an adult for something he allegedly did as a minor.

Sacks also notes Pitman denies the allegations.

"If he was charged as an adult I would take the position that the warrants are invalid." Sacks adds, "He's governed by the law that was in place at the time of the alleged offense."

Macie pridgen, Public Information Officer with the Virginia Beach Commonwealth's Attorney office says Pitman has been charged under laws in place in the 1980's. But, according to Virginia law: 16.1-242, Pridgen says he can and will be tried as an adult.

NewsChannel 3 also learned a new piece of information at the bond hearing, Friday.

Prosecutors say an investigation had been opened in the 1980s, but never moved forward. No reason was given as to why.

"Some serious questions are going to be asked about it and hopefully when all is said and done it will be dismissed," said Sacks.

If Pitman bonds out, he can't have contact with children under 12 or the victims. This order includes contact with his 2-year-old niece.

Pitman's determination hearing is scheduled for December 4th.

Related Content:

Chesapeake deputy accused of sexually assaulting two minors in Virginia Beach