An elderly lawyer peered over my shoulder glancing at an article about rapper Lil Wayne who was sent to Rikers Island jail after his conviction for felony gun charges and exclaimed,"Not only was the music better in my day, the musicians were better people too." A simple smile pursed my lips as I ironically continued to read about Richard Finch, who played in the 1970s pop music group KC & the Sunshine Band. (Finch played base and drums with the group. He left the band in 1980.) Richard appeared today in an Ohio court concerning an indictment on 16 sex charges involving "multiple male juveniles." Richard Finch's trouble began last month when a 17-year-old boy said they had sexual contact. This launched a search for other possible victims. This month a grand jury indicted Finch on 10 counts of sexual imposition. Assistant prosecutor Tracy Van Winkle said the charges are of a sexual nature. Finch also faces three counts of compelling prostitution and/or offering money to minors for sex.
While Finch is presumed innocent, he allegedly told police that he had "sexual contact" with the juvenile, along with other male teenage juveniles. (According to law enforcement personnel. Finch disputes any such statements.) Finch remains at the Licking County jail awaiting a trial date. Finch's lawyer accurately reminds all that "...these are just allegations and that Mr. Finch is presumed innocent." Truer words never spoken. But for the present time, the allegations against Richard Finch may be taking some of the attention off modern day artists such as Lil Wayne.
Update 6-16-10: Rock and Roller Tim Bachman joins the list of former musicians making bad headlines. Bachman one of the founding members of Bachman-Turner Overdrive, has been charged with allegedly committing sex crimes against a young girl. Abbotsford News. The 58-year-old Bachman was formally charged in an Abbotsford court. He is accused of sexual interference with a person under the age of 14, sexual assault and touching a young person for a sexual purpose. Bachman started the band in the early 1970s. The incidents supposedly began a decade ago when the alleged victim was just 11 years old. Bachman allegedly continued "the assault" for three years until she was 14. Bachman who apparently works as a local real estate agent turned himself into Abbotsford police on May 12, 2010. His next court date is July 5, 2010. Bachman needs to follow the advice of his famous song, 'Takin' Care of Business.' Tim Bachman who left the group in 1974, but rejoined for a 1984, 1987 and 1988 reunion tours, has denied all charges. He is to be presumed innocent unless otherwise proven in a court of law. an
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37 comments:
Indeed, skunks smell at all ages.
Bad apples at any age spoil the bunch.
Better watch your step or efore too long their will also be dirt on Bing Crosby...
Wonder how that bank feels now about their commercial link to K.C.?
Another Michael Jackson?
Finch making Lil Wayne look good? I don't think so. No one ever considers that a kid lies - or... like with Michael Jackson, 'encouraged to lie' by parents for the sake of money (that kid eventually came clean about what his dad made him say to extort millions from Jackson - and the dad wound up killing himself and the kid moving to Australia, disgusted with his family - they ruined Jackson's life with lies - and now the same thing is probably happening to Richard Finch). Licking County is a cesspool of poverty (doesn't anyone do their research?) - the smell of anyone who's had any success probably has them all drooling for bucks, both the town AND the parents. Add into that the screwy laws of Ohio (did you know you can get arrested for HUGGING a kid in Ohio - that's considered a sex act in that backward state!) and add into that a probable misleading and misinterpreted quote by the police AND the press (who admits to crimes then pleads not guilty at their arraignment?) --- this just STINKS - STINKS - STINKS what is happening to Finch without even the benefit of a trial. Are the white sheets far behind???
I couldn't agree more with the last comment!
The way in which this entire case has been viewed and handled by the media is absolutely appalling!
So many are so quick to persecute, and with so little FACT! From what I have learned of Licking County and its "locals", I wonder HOW this man has any chance of a fair trial???
Innocent UNTIL proven guilty...wake up America!
Yup, he could be innocent. But his statement to the police before he was lawyered up tends to indicate at least some guilt...
Just what is so wrong with LIl Wayne? At least everyone knows that he likes girls!
Open invite: If Richard Finch's attorney would like to answer some questions by email, he is welcome to let us know by emailing us at
legalpub@legalpub.net.
Drew Peterson's lawyer gave an interview last year that was helpful to readers in better understanding the issues in that case.
I would really appreciate hearing from the lawyer so I hope he does grant an interview with legal pub. In the meantime, why rag on Licking County? This agricultural community has grown to more than 150,000. It is near Columbus and is far from being backward. Newark, Granville and Heath have more than 100 manufacturing, research and development businesses. This includes The Boeing Co. Three college campuses attract many youth to the area.
I can't imagine why a fair jury can not be selected from the county.
("Lawyered Up?" Who uses that phrase anymore? LOL!)
As for Finch's alleged statement to the police, who in their right mind would say (with or without an attorney present), 'Yeah, I did it - and here's a bunch of other kids names - I did things to them too - call them and they'll confirm.'
A 'rush to the press' by the police with a statement left to free interpretation less than 24 hours from Finch's arrest did more than compromise this man's ability to get a fair trial - if found innocent or the charges dropped, it has irrevocably impacted his reputation and his revenue generating opportunities. The Licking County Sheriff's Department have not shown themselves to be competent professionals knowledgeable of or sensitive to the Law or to a man's right to be innocent until PROVEN guilty - not in the least.
As for the comment from Concerned Citizen - have you checked out the US Census figures for Licking County? The demographics certainly don't reflect what the rest of the United States looks likes OR behaves like (unless you lived in America in the 40's or 50's... or, as someone else eluded to, have an affinity for the wearing of white sheets).
As a minority, I sure wouldn't want to live there.
If I were gay, I certainly wouldn't feel safe there.
If the comments in the Newark Advocate are reflective of the county's mentality, I know I couldn't get a fair trial there.
Concerned Citizen? Read what the locals have to say about their own community.. Lol. They think it's a dump as well.
Funny how all these accusers are friends!
I guess if hugging is considered a sex crime, I would be in Jail too. Glad I dont live in Ohio.
CSI Licking needs to investigate further.
I hope when Finch is found innocent or these kids drop the charges, that Finch sues everyone in sight for the defamation!, Including the a-hole in Miami.
Would love to read an interview with the lawyer.
Update 6-16-10: Rock and Roller Tim Bachman joins the list of former musicians making bad headlines. Bachman one of the founding members of Bachman-Turner Overdrive, has been charged with allegedly committing sex crimes against a young girl. Abbotsford News. The 58-year-old Bachman was formally charged in an Abbotsford court. He is accused of sexual interference with a person under the age of 14, sexual assault and touching a young person for a sexual purpose. Bachman started the band in the early 1970s. The incidents supposedly began a decade ago when the alleged victim was just 11 years old. Bachman allegedly continued "the assault" for three years until she was 14. Bachman who apparently works as a local real estate agent turned himself into Abbotsford police on May 12, 2010. His next court date is July 5, 2010. Bachman needs to follow the advice of his famous song, 'Takin' Care of Business.' Tim Bachman who left the group in 1974, but rejoined for a 1984, 1987 and 1988 reunion tours, has denied all charges. He is to be presumed innocent unless otherwise proven in a court of law. an
He needs to take care of business or he will be in jail for a spell!
well hmmm, no one forced Richard Finch to live in Ohio and if it's not safe for gays to live there because it is such a backward State, that makes his choice of residence even more incredulous.
He's been around the block and can't be that naive to think the cops wouldn't come knocking on his door sooner or later !
Where's Johnny Cochran when you need him !
Not completely sure about his sexual orientation, but a man has a right to be a Buckeye or not be a Buckeye. Maybe his choice was not the best for him?
Feel free to post your link here in the comments. As long as it is a legitimate site and not advertising, L.P. will it allow it.
Finch's trial is scheduled to start October 5th.
As for the other 'Anonymous' person with regard to Finch having a heads-up about the area's stance on Gays, may I quote Saturday Night Live: "Jane, you ignorant slut!"
NO ONE should have to research a community for their bigotry trends before making a relocation - do you even think that kind of information is put out in the local news? I don't even think anyone said that it wasn't specifically safe for Gays - I think the person referenced overall census stats - so this person is doing a bit of free word association, and in fact backing up an assumption that the State of Ohio wreaks of bigotry.
This person also says:
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Sounds like you know him personally perhaps??? Could you be held culpable if you knew of activity and did not report it to the police? Sounds like the police should be knocking on YOUR door if in fact you held information which could have prevented any of these alleged incidences.
Hunches and beliefs do not create liability for the acts of another. Failure to report known criminal activity could be a crime itself in some instances and lead to potential liability on a civil negligence basis, in my opinion.
Ohio has screwy laws ?
Shake Your Booty in Licking County.
You can't make this stuff up !
Wow, someone on this blog gets hot under the collar on the subject of Rick Finch - SCARY!
For some Richard is still an icon. For others he may be seen as a tool. Don't ask don't tell may still be the best policy.
Yeah, the three wise monkeys had it all worked out - don't ask, don't tell, don't see!
LOL. But seriously, why does everyone need to have their private life be so public?
KC & The Sunshine Band were the original eye candy.
They could sing, dance, play instruments all at the same time and didn't look like they were ever going to get old, fat, go bald, go broke, end up dead or in jail.
As of now one of the above happened to just about every member of that band.
What's next!
NO one can stay on top forever...
What if there was consensual stuff going on? (and we really don't know).
I'm not condoning abusive or inappropriate behavior with teens, but I AM saying, there are always two sides to every story.
if these teens came on to Finch or Bachman?
What if they were talentless and wanting to get attention to be produced?
What if they were just celebrity whores for parents looking for a big payoff?
I always find it amusing when monster-teens try to come off as innocent victims (and we ALL know one or two of them!). I think we'd all be hard pressed to find an innocent teen today - they are extremely sophisticated about the world and in knowing how to get what they want at all costs. The media has taught them well.
Plus some over the top laws seem to be drafted at times when a topical, emotionally charged event has occurred. A lot of bad laws are on the books because someone knee jerked.
For instance, a 16 year old girl who sent a naked picture of herself to her boyfriend over a cell phone has been charged with a sex crime and will have to register as a Tier II Sex Offender for 25 years based on the Adam Walsh law.
Because of knee-jerking, this poorly written law is on the books and unnecessarily ruining the lives of many people.
All I am saying is - these things need to be looked at on a case-by-case basis with every detail from BOTH SIDES gone over with a fine tooth comb even before charges are filed, and especially where celebrities are concerned (just because they already have big, red bullseye's on them for this sort of exploitation), but sadly, given the inability of unlimited financial resources to the average person or the poor and the overloading of our judicial system, only the RICH can effectively fight in court.
The age of the teen(s) most likly will be the determinate criteria. Sexual consent only occurs after an age of consent is reached. Most states 16.
With regard to the mention of 'age of consent' - yes, that plays a part, but if there is a huge age difference, it is still ruled inappropriate. One thing for an 18 year old to engage in sexual contact with a 16 year old - the statutes are less - but for someone 40+ years older than the individual, it is ruled inappropriate. I personally think if it is illegal for one, it should be illegal for all, regardless of the age difference. Being of 'legal age' with that age being 18 and above - let's see some equal distribution of the law, regardless of the age. For instance, in this county (Licking) two underage teens were granted the right to be married by a judge without parental involvement, because the girl was pregnant and she feared her parents would force her to have an abortion. The judge (religious Republican right, of course) allowed the marriage and the parents rights of involvement ignored. The justification was the 'salvation' of an unborn child that might not otherwise live if the parents would have been involved. Where do we draw the line by judicial interference in family mattters? And why, if there were NOT an unborn child involved, would this be approached more as a crime of unsupervised teens? This state (Ohio) has some of the most screwed up laws I have ever seen!
Anyone 18 ought to be able to have sex with anyone who is consensual and also 18 or older.
Update: The trial date was set for October 5th, 2010. But Finch apparently enter into a plea agreement
As Mr. Finch's friend, manager and publicist, I always find it interesting (as well as unfortunately sad) when people have an opinion about that which they know nothing about, especially when they are not privy to any intricate details aside from the one-sided bits and pieces the Internet provides them.
The negative comments posted here and elsewhere are a reflection of that uninformed short sightedness.
From the time of Mr. Finch's arrest, both the media and those blogging worldwide have presented this to be a slam dunk scenario. It is far from being that black and white, as anyone who understands the concept of mitigating factors and the complexities of Law knows.
However, given that an agreement has been made with the court with that hearing scheduled for December 6th, the Defense's side will not be heard.... (at least in this courtroom or at this juncture), but in the future and at a time of our choosing, Mr. Finch's story will be told and I am positive the world will have a much different view of this amazing, gifted, talented and benevolent man once they are fully and accurately informed.
Lori:
Thanks for your comments. We welcome your comments. If you or Richard want to do an email interview or simply issue a statement, we would be glad to update the story with the same.
Readers of Legal Pub are always reminded that there are two sides to every story and we welcome both sides.
LegalPub@legalpub.net
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