Sheriff's Office, DA hailed for jailing 'pervert'

Editor:

In February of 2002 the Columbia County Sheriffs Office arrested Jack Andrews on numerous charges including, but not limited to, sexual molestation of a child and multiple counts of sexual exploitation of a child. This came on the heels of a year-long investigation. Having reached a plea agreement, Andrews was sentenced in Columbia County on Aug. 13.

I would like to commend the Columbia County Sheriffs Office, particularly Investigator Bruce Walker, and Assistant District Attorney Bobby Christine. These agencies and these men worked diligently to not only investigate and apprehend Andrews, but to see him convicted and sentenced for the perverse things he had done.

The arena of child molestation, enticement and exploitation is such a sickening and emotionally devastating crime with perpetrators often hiding behind the cloak of some religion. So often, it seems, people like Andrews continue their crimes unchallenged and unchecked.

Fortunately, this was not the case with Andrews. Our public servants have done the CSRA a great service in protecting the citizens, especially the children, from Jack Andrews. In a day when sexual abuse scandals plague our nation, there is one less pervert on the streets due to an effective criminal justice system in Columbia County.

If those of you reading this letter have children, you need to take a little time to think about the protection your child has been afforded. Andrews displayed perverse and abhorrent behavior toward children. Any child could have been his victim. Maybe its all in a days work for the above-mentioned agencies, but I recognize the potential trauma and mental anguish they have saved others from.

I do extend my sympathies to any victims of Jack Andrews and pray for their emotional healing.

J. Johnson

Augusta