Legal Analysis By Attorneys
Breaking Legal News
An active member of the First Baptist Church of Auburndale, located at 300 S Main St, Auburndale, FL 33823, faces serious legal trouble following his arrest on 76 counts of possessing child pornography. The Polk County Sheriff's Office reports that the arrest of 39-year-old Andrew "Drew" McGaffigan, stems from an investigation that began over a month ago, according to Fox 13.
McGaffigan was initially taken into custody on December 17 with 30 counts against him. However, a deeper examination of his electronic devices revealed an alarming number of additional illegal materials, prompting investigators to add 46 more charges. Detectives were alerted by the National Center for Missing and Endangered Children, which indicated that McGaffigan had been downloading explicit images of minors.
Following the execution of a search warrant, detectives uncovered 30 files depicting children subjected to sexual assault. Among the disturbing content found was a video in which a child was forced to engage in acts of bestiality. The files included victims as young as six months to 12 years old, raising significant concerns within the community.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd expressed outrage over the situation, describing McGaffigan as "the worst of the worst." Notably, he emphasized the suspect's familial ties, stating, "Here is a married man with children of his own advocating for the sexual abuse of babies and children." McGaffigan's active role in his local church adds to the community's shock and concern.
As investigators continue to delve into McGaffigan's activities, they have yet to establish any connections between him and the identified victims. The sheriff's office is committed to conducting a thorough investigation, exploring whether McGaffigan may have abused children within his reach.
In the wake of alarming cases involving sexual abuse within church communities, many victims may wonder about their legal rights and options. To better understand the avenues available for those harmed by trusted figures, we spoke with Michael Haggard, an experienced lawyer specializing in sexual abuse cases. He offers valuable information on how victims can seek redress and the resources that are accessible to them.
Editor Darla Medina: With cases like this emerging, what legal options do victims have if they were abused by someone in a church setting?
Attorney Michael Haggard: Victims often have the right to file civil lawsuits against both the abuser and the church. Many times, institutions can be held accountable if they failed to protect children or if they knew about past incidents.
Medina: What challenges do these victims face in pursuing justice?
Haggard: One significant hurdle is often the stigma associated with coming forward. Victims may fear repercussions or mistrust from their community. Additionally, evidentiary hurdles can make cases complex.
Medina: Are there resources available for those looking to take legal action?
Haggard: Yes, many organizations and legal firms specialize in supporting survivors of abuse. Victims should seek legal counsel experienced in these types of cases to navigate the process effectively.
If you or a loved one has experienced abuse, remember that you are not alone. It’s important to seek guidance to navigate the legal complexities surrounding these cases. We encourage victims and their families to contact us for a free consultation. Together, we can ensure that your voice is heard and that steps are taken toward healing and justice. Don’t hesitate—reach out today.
info@legalherald.com