Child Sex Abuse suspect can’t be charged

MURFREESBORO, TN  —  A Murfreesboro detective has found his hands legally tied in a case of child sexual abuse.  According to the report provided to The Daily News Journal, the investigation began in January, but the incident took place from 1988 to 1992.

“I discussed the case with the District Attorney’s Office and it appears that the statute of limitations prevents me from charging (the suspect),” the investigating officer wrote.

According to the report, the victim would have been between the ages of 11 and 15 during the years of the abuse, and the suspect was between 17 and 20.  The officer went on to note that “the suspect is currently around minors and the victim was 11 to 15 at the time he was molested, therefore a DCS referral was made.”

“DCS is not a law enforcement agency,” Rob Johnson, director for communications for the Department of Children’s Services, told The Daily News Journal.  “But anyone who suspects that a child is being abused or neglected must report those concerns to the DCS child abuse hotline at 877-237-0004.”