Dad sentenced to 10-30 years for sexually abusing daughter (Dover, New Hampshire)

Dad TIMOTHY LOGSDON has been sentenced to 10-30 years in state prison for sexually abusing his daughter beginning at the age of 3. Dad had "a history of community involvment" and had served on the local school board. He had also run (unsuccessfully) as the Republican candidate for state representative. Just goes to show how successfully many sexual abusers camoflage themselves as Outstanding Citizens. That makes them even more scary. It would be easier if they all had matted hair and greasy clothes and sinister looks about them, wouldn't it?

http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091202/GJNEWS_01/712029957

Ex-Somersworth school panelist gets 10-30 years for sexually abusing his young daughter

By Jason Claffey
Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Timothy Logsdon

DOVER — Former Somersworth School Board member Timothy Logsdon was sentenced to 10 to 30 years in state prison Tuesday after pleading guilty to sexually abusing his daughter when she was as young as three.

In a negotiated plea deal that reduced a possible sentence of 25 years to life, Logsdon admitted to touching his daughter's genitals and telling her to keep it a secret in exchange for promises of chocolates. The abuse began in July 2006 when the daughter was three and continued for two years, prosecutors said in Strafford County Superior Court.

Logsdon, 34, formerly of High Street, pleaded guilty to one charge of aggravated felonious sexual assault.

Judge Marguerite Wageling imposed his sentence.

"What you did to your little girl is inexcusable," Wageling said. "You have impacted her life in ways you will probably never understand."

Prosecutors read a letter from Logsdon's ex-wife saying his actions forced her and her three children to move to New York, where she has to work two jobs to support the family. She said her daughter, now 6, continues to be traumatized by the abuse, displaying more sexual activity than is normal for her age.

"You tore your family apart," Wageling told Logsdon.

Wageling sided with County Attorney Tom Velardi's recommended sentence of 10 to 30 years in prison. Defense attorney David Betancourt argued for a lower sentence of 3 to 15 years, citing Logsdon's lack of a criminal record and history of community involvement. Logsdon served on the School Board for under a year and led an effort to gather signatures for a proposed tax cap, which was defeated in a referendum. He also ran three times as a Republican candidate for state representative but was never elected.

Wageling recognized Logsdon's efforts, but said his actions were indefensible. She said he stole some of her daughter's "most precious" aspects of her youth — her innocence and her relationship with her father.

Wageling was not swayed by proof of a $2,050 check for overdue child support Logsdon made out to his ex-wife the same day he was sentenced Tuesday, calling it "disingenuous." Betancourt presented proof of the check as a show of Logsdon's good faith in arguing for a reduced sentence.

As part of the plea deal, Logsdon waived a sentence review that could later reduce his prison time. He will also be forced to register as a sex offender for life.

Logsdon said he struck the deal because "the idea of 25 to life ... is kind of scary."