Richard Young, Hall of Fame USA Debate Coach, Guilty of Child Molestation

Not one of my prouder moments, me with Richard Young at the 2006 NFL Nationals

As I sit here in Caracas, Venezuela, I have to go to press with this story, one I have been following for many months. I have refrained from publishing the story until now because I wanted to let the legal system come to a conclusion.

The evidence seems overwhelming, and I wonder about all of those people who have been so vigorous in defending Richard Young up until now. Look at the comments attached to the earlier stories! I also wonder at the educational system that I suspect, but do not know, has sheltered this individual. It is amazing that a coach who has been so successful had moved from high school to high school during his career. Why? Could it have been because this is a common occurrence, and schools have covered up for him in order to avoid adverse publicity for themselves? Too often this occurs in debate, an abuser has been allowed to leave a school without comment because they do not want adverse publicity, just to pass him on to another school system and another group of victims. Shame on any school who has done this. Justice will out and it appears to have done so now.

Every school and all of us involved with debate must stand firm to expose and condemn individuals like this abd not just pass them on to other school systemjs to create more victims.

This is a long post, because I want readers to see the process of this, in reverse chronological order. Let us resolve to break the silence and to end OUR complicity in these events by not exposing offenders when they first commit crimes.

What follows is a series of stories that tell the tale. The comments to the stories, especially the early ones, are revealing.

From http://www.kwch.com/Global/story.asp?S=9197456&nav=menu486_2_2

Young Found Guilty in Molestation Trial
Posted: Oct 18, 2008 05:06 PM
Updated: Oct 18, 2008 05:59 PM

by Sarah Kallail and Chris Durden (HUTCHINSON, Kan.)

A jury convicts a former Buhler High School debate coach on all counts in his child molestation trial.

Jurors found Richard Young guilty on one count aggravated indecent liberties with a child, one count indecent solicitation and two counts of indecent liberties with a child.

Prosecutors say young molested a foreign exchange student who stayed with him. The victim testified during the trial that young asked him about sex on his first day in the United States. During his stay at young's house, the victim says he would touch and fondle him. The 17-year-old from South Korea was 15 when he lived with Young.

Young's three ex-stepsons testified he molested them for years while their mother was married to him.

It took jurors less than a day to reach a verdict. Young now awaits sentencing.

From http://www.hutchnews.com/Localregional/pastt

Published online 10/7/2008 11:05 PM

Past behavior likely testimony focus in teacher's trial

By Jon Ruhlen - The Hutchinson News - jruhlen@hutchnews.com

Testimony in the trial of a former Buhler debate coach accused of molesting a Korean foreign exchange student in August 2007 is expected to begin today, after a day of jury selection Tuesday.

Attorneys picked a jury of six women and six men to hear the case against Richard Young, the former Buhler teacher accused of fondling a 15-year-old South Korean boy who was staying with him a year ago. The attorneys also picked two alternate jurors, one man and one woman.

About 100 potential jurors showed up for the jury pool. While several indicated familiarity with the case through media coverage, most said they would not let that influence their ability to be fair and impartial if picked to serve on the jury.

The jury pool for Young's trial was larger than usual because of concerns that widespread media coverage of the case would make it difficult to find nonbiased jurors. Additionally, Young was a popular teacher at Buhler and taught for years at schools in Hutchinson and Little River.

At least one potential juror indicated that her son had Young as a debate coach when he was at Hutchinson. That woman was excused.

Neither defense attorney David Moses nor Reno County District Attorney Keith Schroeder sought to individually question jurors on media exposure to the case.

Young is charged with three counts of indecent liberties with a child and one count of indecent solicitation of a child. The trial is expected to stretch into next week, with days off for Yom Kippur and Columbus Day.

The case will likely feature testimony from witnesses on both sides regarding Young's past behavior. District Judge Richard Rome issued an order last week denying a request by the defense to preclude testimony from three men who allege that Young molested them in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Rome also denied a request by prosecutors to preclude testimony from foreign exchange students who stayed with Young and denied any wrongdoing.


3 comment(s) found!
teachers trial : 10/8/2008
I think that those men who say Young did something to them in the 70's and 80's should be allowed to testify against him I know how it feels to have something like that happen to you and that it can cause you alot of problems through out your life so anyone that can help put someone like that away let them help.

susie
old dirty man : 10/8/2008
this man will get what he deserves WHEN he is convicted. I hope he realizes what happens to child molestors in prison. i feel sorry for him. those poor kids should have there chance to have their way with him. IF HE IS GUILTY he is a nasty nasty man. RICHARD YOUNG: if you did this I hope you have fun being a "woman" in prison!!!

bendergender
: 10/8/2008
Like the rest of the Kansas sex offenders He will be treated here in Hutchinson. Then released back onto the streets of Hutchinson.

From http://www.kwch.com/global/story.asp?s=9146356

Teen Testifies in Richard Young Case
Posted: Oct 9, 2008 01:08 PM
Updated: Oct 9, 2008 01:08 PM


By Alana Rocha (RENO COUNTY, Kan.)

Day one of the trial against a former Buhler High School Debate Coach began with graphic details. Richard Young is accused of molesting a foreign exchange student who was staying with him. He's charged with two counts of Aggravated Indecent Liberties With a Child and one count of Indecent Solicitation of a Child.

The victim in the case took the stand Wednesday morning. The 17-year-old from South Korea was 15 when he was living with Richard Young in August of 2008.

The teen lived with Young for a month and a half. He told the court, even before he moved here, he and Young communicated through e-mail. One of those communications, he said, included a photo of his body at Young's request.

He testified that from the moment he arrived in the states, Young asked him about the sexual lives of Korean students. He said, days into his stay in Buhler, Young asked him to stay in his bed where he proceeded to touch the boy and have the boy touch him in return.

The teen testified this happened several times over eight days.

Both sides in the case have different takes on the reasons why it took the student so long to report the crime. During opening statements, the defense said it will be the focus of their case.

Look for updates here at kwch.com throughout the trial.


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A Hope for Justic
October 9, 2008
This trial will prove that Mr. Young is innocent. He deserves to have his name cleared by the courts. He also deserves an appoligy from this station for slandering him and showing only one side of this case. If this was real news then both sides would be shown fairly. But with the way it's been presented it's more about who can find the biggest issue of gossip instead of who can find all the facts.
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HHS Alum
October 10, 2008
I was first apalled by the allegations, but unfortunately this does seem very likely. Too many details ring true in this case. I hate that this happened, but I'm leaning toward the fact that he is guilty.

From http://www.kake.com/news/headlines/25616914.html#comments

Buhler Teacher Pleads Not Guilty To Sex Crimes Save Email Print

Posted: 10:44 AM Jul 18, 2008
Last Updated: 10:44 AM Jul 18, 2008
Reporter: Abby Barnett
Email Address: abby.barnett@kake.com
3 comments

A Buhler High School teacher today pleaded not guilty to indecent liberties with an exchange student.

During a brief hearing in Reno County Court, Richard Young entered his plea and asked for a jury trial.

The debate coach is accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old foreign exchange student who stayed with him last fall.

Judge Richard Rome did not set a trial date for Young.


Posted by: David on Jul 18, 2008 at 02:57 PM
This foreign teenager deserves the same protections and justice as our American children. Only ignorant people would believe this young person is lying and mentally ill. The victim does not deserve the horrible treatment he is being subjected to and he is a brave strong person to confront this evil predator to stop him from victimizing other children.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 18, 2008 at 02:37 PM
Of course he did, because not only is he a pervert he is a coward and is trying to get out of his punishment.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 18, 2008 at 01:30 PM
Dont most of these perves plead not guilty

From http://www.hutchnews.com/Todaystop/buhlerteacher

Buhler will fire teacher set for trial

Debate coach involved in sex case has 15 days to initiate a challenge to the decision.

By Darcy Gray - The Hutchinson News - dgray@hutchnews.com

A Buhler High School teacher and debate coach awaiting trial on child molestation charges could soon lose his job at the school.

During a school board meeting Monday, Buhler USD 313 board members "unanimously adopted a resolution of intent to terminate Richard Young's contract of employment," according to Kelly Nelson, the district's public information officer.

Young, 68, was bound over for trial last week on three counts of indecent liberties with a child and one count of indecent solicitation of a child for allegedly fondling a 15-year-old male foreign exchange student from South Korea in August 2007.

"The board's decision last night to move forward was made with the best intentions of our students in mind," Nelson said.

According to the school board's resolution, the district cited "inappropriate relations with a student, inappropriate touching of children" as reasons Young's current contract should be terminated.

Young has 15 days to request a hearing to challenge the school board's decision. David Schauner, Kansas National Education Association general counsel, said he would represent Young in any hearing on the board's action - but so far, no such plans have been made.

"I have not had a chance to visit with Mr. Young yet," Schauner said Tuesday, noting he'd just learned of the board's decision.

Young was initially suspended with pay when authorities began an investigation last November. It wasn't until early March, shortly after charges were filed, that the district decided to change Young's status to suspended without pay. His annual salary was $42,000.

Nelson said the timing of the board's recent decision for termination was "based on information we had received during the preliminary hearing."

Along with testimony from the alleged victim in the hearing last week, three men also testified to being molested by Young as teenagers. The prosecution presented as evidence copies of letters Young allegedly sent to the three men in 1994, apologizing for those alleged actions.

Arraignment for Young is set for July 7 before Reno County District Judge Richard Rome.

A teacher and debate coach at Buhler High School since 2003, Young has a 47-year career in education and has previously worked for schools in Hutchinson, Great Bend, Little River, Stockton and Topeka.

Attempts Tuesday to reach Young were unsuccessful. A number listed for his Buhler address has been disconnected.

At the Buhler school board meeting Monday, board members also approved the hiring of Gary Minor as the new forensics teacher and debate coach.

From http://sexing-the-cherry.blogspot.com/2008/05/richard-young-is-not-second-coming.html

Richard Young is Not the Second Coming


This is oldish news but nonetheless warrants an entry. Feminism is centered on the notion that all people deserve to be equal, and seeks to address injustice as it is encountered in everyday life. Most often, these injustices go largely overlooked because the victim is one who is usually marginalized. Feminism argues that, most often, those who are silenced are women. However, feminism also looks to people of color, differently-abled, children, the economically disenfranchised, and immigrants as those who are routinely swept under the rug. Their problems are not our problems because they are so obviously the Other.

In August of '07, a high school debate coach in Buhler, Kansas was alleged to have engaged in inappropriate actions with a 16-year-old minor, a foreign exchange student that he had been hosting. In fact, Richard Young has hosted several exchange students over the years. The allegations led to a full search of Young's home and office, including the computers therein. During the investigation, Young continued to be on paid leave ($42,000/yr), even after formal charges were filed.

Initially, the charges were 3 counts of indecent liberties with a child and 1 count of indecent solicitation with a child, including "lewd fondling or touching of a child." Court dates were pushed back, again and again, until finally, Young appeared in court in early May. Only to have the preliminary hearing pushed back until June 4th. However--there is good news. The charges were upped to 3 counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, a more serious felony charge.

Reno County District Attorney Keith Schroeder says he increased the severity of the charges because the student did not consent to the alleged abuse, and because he was under Young's care.

Young was supposed to be a trusted adult for this student. The student lived with Young and literally had nowhere else in the entire hemisphere where he could be safe. The nature of their relationship involved a unique trust--the student's safety and security was tied up in Young, in much the same way it would be with a parent and child. The offenses, if true, are even more heinous due to the student's obligatory reliance on Young for safety and shelter.

Oh, but it gets so much worse.

Schroeder also rebuked a request by Young to waive his preliminary hearing and proceed straight to trial.

At a preliminary hearing, prosecutors are required to prove to a judge that enough evidence exist to warrant a trial.

"Most prosecutors welcome a waiver," said David Moses, Young's defense attorney.

Schroeder said it is important to establish victim's testimony at the preliminary hearing in the event the student must leave the country before the trial begins.

The testimony could then be used at the trial if the victim was unavailable.

Disturbing. Young is so desperate to avoid the student's testimony, that he'll try to waive a preliminary trial altogether. He is willing to concede that there is grounds for a trial, flat-out. The fact that "prosecutors welcome a waiver" means that Young knew exactly what he was doing. He knew that, if the prosecutor was sloppy, s/he would jump the gun and accept the waiver. But this prosecutor knew the ramifications of accepting the offer and declined it. If the preliminary trial was waived, it would take longer to get to the real trial--time enough to possibly send the exchange student home, foreclosing on the chance to allow his testimony and potentially risking a mistrial, if Young argued that his right to confront the accuser had been violated.

But this is a feminist issue for more than just the obvious. Young has been at Buhler for 5 years and teaching for 47. He is actually somewhat of a legend in the debate community, for coaching his students to so many victories in high school debate rounds. There are tons of folks in this tight-knit community that vow that Young is a father figure, a mentor, a hero, etc, all because he was a "successful" coach (despite alienating any student who disagrees with his coaching style and leaving debaters unprepared for college debate). The community, by and large, unquestioningly came to Young's defense. It was terrifying.

Every single rape apologist came out of the woodwork, for every cliche reason you could imagine. Facts about the exchange student that should've never become public were suddenly common knowledge: his name, his mental health status, personal conversations that he'd had with others, personality traits, you name it. Not a single one of the people divulging this kind of information is interested in any kind of real justice. I'd love to link to the discussion but it has since been deleted by people who felt like nobody should dare doubt the holiness of Richard Young. You'll have to take my word for it--people literally claimed that they wouldn't lose any respect for him, even if convicted.

However, there is a facebook group dedicated to providing support for Young, and it contains the following description (in part):

I know my position on this incredibly evil and malicious stride towards the degradation of this noble man, I AM TAKING MY STAND and encouraging others to voice their opinions, knowledge and truth behind this deviance... don't let OUR hard work and alma mater be blemished by foolish and negligent accusations... be courageous, if not for yourself, for our pride and school!!!

See that? Young must be innocent because he is so noble. Any claims to the contrary (despite evidence found during a police investigation) are evil, malicious, degrading, deviant, ignorant, foolish, negligent, cowardly, etc. Simply because Young has an otherwise "good" reputation among a select few rich white kids. Even though these same people say innocent until proven guilty, they still somehow know the Truth, even though the premise behind that principle is that we can't possibly know the truth without evidence.

When called out on his seriously messed up description, the creator of the group added this little addendum:

I want everyone to know that I am seeking nothing more or less than the truth in this matter. I do not believe that students, adults or anyone in between should be silent about being a victim of sexual assault, of any kind. I feel that we should support being open about these occurences, so as to combat the happenings of sexual violence, to cease it for ALL.

Yes. He is so willing to end all sexual violence that he left the original group description up--the group description that foreclosed on any possibility that the alleged victim was telling the truth. The creator of this group formed his own conclusion, absent of any evidence whatsoever, and impugned the character of the exchange student in nearly every way possible, and yet still claims to seek justice for all. He claims to seek truth, but believes that he knows the truth on faith alone, rather than proof. Obviously, the truth doesn't interest this person or others who support Young in this manner. The way he speaks of the allegations literally silences anyone around him who may disagree, and further works to silence anyone who may have also suffered sexual abuse. Basically, it is hard to come forward when the whole world screams "liar!" the second you do.

The apologists continue: the student wanted attention, the student had mental health problems, the student didn't want to go home, the student wanted a visa, the student was a "known" liar, most people who make rape accusations are lying (despite this being untrue). Young couldn't possibly have done this: he was a reputable teacher, he was admired and respected by many, too many people had known him for too long, he was active in the community, and so on. And--I couldn't possibly make this up--students gathered in the courtroom to support Young, and they had planned on wearing matching outfits to school that day. You think the ridiculous-ness is over?

A Press Conference, by Superintendant David Brax around 9pm, suggested that "illicit material" had been found on a computer... this claim remained exactly that... just a claim. As a debate coach I'm sure they found something along the lines of research on "female genital mutilation" or "child rape" in africa as part of the years topic or maybe even for a forensics speech later in the season...

Yes. Investigators make baseless claims that could compromise their entire investigations and could, for no reason at all, jeopardize a person's long-running career. Even though this claim was made by the person employing Young, the creator of the facebook group still believes that it's "just a claim." He also seems to believe that investigators would use Google searches as their sole evidence in convicting someone of 3 very specific, very serious charges.

Basically, this story is repeated over and over, all over the country, all the time. However, usually it is a woman making the accusation. But all the arguments are the same--she's a liar, she's a whore, she was asking for it, she wants the attention, she has a bad past, she's mentally disturbed, etc. It's no wonder that most people think so many rape victims are making false accusations--if the rapist is not convicted (even for such reasons as the victim was not a virgin at the time) the general public marks another tally for false accusations. The whole system is set up to favor the accused, in some cases forbidding the victim even from using the word "rape." The whole thing serves to keep other people from coming forward, from naming their attackers, from feeling absolutely blameless. Because that's really the issue--no rape victim is to blame at all. Period. Attire, blood-alcohol content, nationalization status, mental health, social/class status (of victim AND accused) are absolutely irrelevant and truly need not enter the conversation at all. Ever. At the point in which this issues are discussed, the case is no longer about rape--it is about who is most privileged.

Young is lucky enough to be Caucasian, wealthy, of high social standing, well-known in the community, and so on. He's hosted many exchange students before, and yet somehow, most people take that as evidence of his innocence, rather than a very strong coincident indicator of the possibility that this is not his first victim. What other demographic would be easier to prey on?

It's not often that such a gigantic case occurs so close to home. Buhler is in my home state and is the high school which my partner attended. I also participated in debate pretty actively for 4 years, and was also aghast when news of this became public. But rather than jumping on the bandwagon because I didn't want to believe that such a thing could be true, I remained true to my feminist values. We do not show that we have value for all people if we only support the people who it's convenient to support. Sometimes, it's just not easy to do the right thing, but I am pretty sure that defending a man who was charged with very specific crimes, after an extensive evidence-gathering investigation, who was publicly suggested to have had illicit materials on his computer (at a press conference) by the superintendent (whose best interests would be served by not making this claim), who actively tries to silence his accuser by waiving a preliminary hearing, and who is fully capable of exercising his power to treat people badly is absolutely the wrong thing to do.

No matter how often my voice is silenced, I am going to do the right thing.
Posted by Zahra at 7:19 PM
Labels: children, kansas, law enforcement, mental health, racism, rape, sexual harassment
5 comments:

higgy333 said...
I am not usually a person to post to blogs, much less on sites that I am not a member of, but I do have some things that I see as seriously wrong with your blog. First, you make an invalid assumption of the socio-economic class of the people surrounding Mr. Young when you say "Young has an otherwise "good" reputation among a select few rich white kids." This invalid assumption causes you to marginalize his supporters in a way that you can point at as suppressive, when in fact those supporting him vary from the lowest to the highest socio-economic classes as well as racial creeds from around the world. Second you purport that Mr. Young, as a coach, marginalizes his own students, thus he is a person that a "feminist" must disparage. However, this marginalizing effect is not noticeable among those who have passed through his speech programs (Debate or Forensics). In fact, one particular student who graduated in 2005, who, in particular, fought with Mr. Young (I was there to see some of their conflicts) has said "He was a bastard, I Mean a real Son of a Bitch, but there is no way that he would do that!" So even the "marginalized" students see Mr. Young in a positive light. Also, you should do research on the student having passed from under Mr. Young's tutelage have continued on into both competitive Forensics and Debate at the college level. Furthermore, you insinuate that Mr. Young has taken liberties before with foreign exchange students. If what you are insinuating is the truth then why has no student tracked down by the investigators confirmed these suspicions. Also, I was personally extremely close to four exchange students of Mr. Young's. Close enough that I am still in regular contact with two of them (it was three until one moved last month), and they not only deny that Mr. Young did any thing to them, but they have confided in me their personal feelings of support for Mr. Young. Your final mistake is a fallacious accusation based upon the partial fact that the defense chose to waive the hearing. Your claim that the student would be deported prior to the trial is incorrect. As long as the trial is set to happen, the student will be allowed to stay inside the US in order to allow the authorities appropriate access to the information the student professes. The simple process of having the hearing only takes the burden of testimony off during the jury trial. The testimony can be recounted from the hearing, allowing the accuser to have testimony without actually facing the jury and telling the story. Furthermore, the hearing only delays the time to the actual trial, thus allowing the prosecution more time to build the case up. The reason most prosecutors would choose to forgo the hearing is that they 1) do not wish to expose their case either due to an insufficiency or fallacy or 2)they feel their case is strong enough at the time of the hearing to go to trial. A case that is extremely basic wouldn't need consider the first, as the defense would already know most, if not all, of the evidence and story behind the case. A case that is not well developed however, would benefit from the increase in time created by a hearing. This time could lead to the discovery of either new evidence or new testimony that could bolster the case. Given that the press has reported a multi-state canvas and interrogation as well as the single accusation/"sole victim" status of the student, it is only appropriate that the prosecution would insist on a hearing. In recap, your blog does present logical arguments against some of the supporters of Mr. Young; however, the attempt to prove both marginalization and subordination of the students by Mr. Young are unsubstantiated and fallacious. P.S. I come from a lower middle class family, the student who got in conflicts with Mr. Young came from a dysfunctional, working-poor family and the foreign exchange students I am friends with come from all across the Eurasian land mass. I am the least marginalized among us, and I support myself, without assistance, on 6-7 hundred dollars a month.

June 22, 2008 1:44 AM
Zahra said...
Okay, you have

1) People in Buhler are diverse. You won't win this argument, though--98.5% of folks in Buhler are white. The median income is $44,000+ and only about 1.5% of people are below the poverty line. Sorry, but you're just wrong about this one.

2) Mr. Young isn't a jerk to students, and even if he is, his debaters are "successful." So, let's just pretend for a second that Young is the nicest guy alive and that all his debaters go on to with national titles. So what? the problem is, people use this as a reason why he couldn't have molested a child. The 2 have nothing to do with each other.

3) Mr. Young probably did not molest every student in his care. Again--so what? By the way, even though the article I cited said the other victims were exchange students, it was mistaken. The other victims with letters of apology were Young's OWN SONS. But he's not SO bad because he hasn't molested every child in his care, right?

4) You think that foregoing the hearing was a good idea, or at least, you draw different conclusions than I do. This is irrelevant. We'll have to agree to disagree because we're both just speculating.

Actually, none of these arguments matter that much. They are all irrelevant. The point is, Richard Young is in a position of power, both as an educator and as a host parent. Arguments about his social standing just don't matter. When people support Young, they should support him because they like him, etc. Nobody should say "Well, he's nice to me, so I know he couldn't have molested a child." Nor should people degrade the minor in question. These are not defenses.

It is disgusting when the defense can ask the victim if he's ever masturbated, and somehow that's considered a legitimate and relevant question. That's the sort of thing I have a problem with.

July 1, 2008 10:14 AM
susan said...
http://www.dwightseffort.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&
id=585&Itemid=64

this is interesting

July 19, 2008 11:31 AM
Anonymous said...
By the way, 70% of the students who attend BHS are not from Buhler, they are from Hutchinson. So your statistics on Buhler are irrelevant since Hutchinson is a much more socioeconomically diverse city.
Also, it is important to realize that Mr. Young is a fairly well known, and generally respected, member of the Buhler school district. The prosecution realized this and they likely wanted to have a pre-trial in order to tarnish the jury pool. If they can create allow this testimony (unanswered by the defense as yet) sink into the populace then they can develop jury members with a greater amount of doubt. Maybe that's a good thing, but you can't deny that it's also good strategy by the prosecution.
Forgoing the hearing was a good idea. Since if you look into criminal law at all you will notice that the decision to go to trial is not based on guilt or innocence, but on the availability of evidence. This exchange student is testifying against him. That is ample evidence to force a trial, and that is what I'm sure Mr. Young's lawyer suggested to him. So why would they want to give away their strategy in a failed effort to avoid a trial?
Also, higgy333 is right, the student won't be forced to leave the country until after the trial. In fact, if you look closely at the pre-trial dialogue, then you would notice that one of the few points the defense did make was that Jae had a motive for lying because it got his visa frozen. Therefore, he cannot be forcibly deported until after the trial. Only he can choose to leave, which would look kind of suspicious anyway.
Finally, if you can't tell I am also a former student of Mr. Young. Nobody said that Mr. Young can't be a jerk; I've had arguments with him on more than a few occasions. Many students have, but you don't see many of his former students believing the validity of these claims. I never met this foreign exhange student, but I've spoken to my friends who did know him, and none of them believe this kid. I'm not saying that proves his innocence, but I just wish that people would allow the legal process to take place before they condemn a man. If Mr. Young were proven innocent, you probably wouldn't amend your blog or publish an apology. You might even use it as fuel to say that a minority has been "marginalized." That's not justice. I may not be able to prove his innocence, but I'm a lot more closely connected to this case than you are, and I've come to a different conclusion.
-kcg333

September 28, 2008 9:03 AM
Anonymous said...
I was his neighbor for 20 years and he was a lousy husband, a phony, lazy, never helped the 3 step sons do anything, self centered, mean and nasty.

From http://www.wibw.com/kakeheadlines/headlines/15995687.html

Buhler Teacher Arrested On Sex Crimes Save Email Print

Posted: 3:32 PM Feb 26, 2008
Last Updated: 11:02 PM Feb 26, 2008
Reporter: KAKE News
Email Address: news@kake.com
27 comments Photos

A Buhler High School teacher and coach has been arrested on sex charges.

The Reno County Sheriff says 68-year-old Richard Young was arrested this afternoon on three counts of indecent liberties with a child and one count of Indecent solicitation of a child.

Authorites have been looking into alleged sex offenses with a foreign exchange student since August of 2007. Officers searched a high school office and Young's home late last year.

Young was a teacher and debate coach at Buhler High School. He has been on leave since late last year.

According to the Buhler HS website, young has been at the school for 5 years, with a total of 47 years in education.

The site also says he hosts foreign exchange students each year.

Young is scheduled to make his first court appearance Wednesday afternoon.

Kelly Nelson, Buhler USD 313 Public Information Officer, released the following statement Tuesday afternoon.

"Obviously we had hoped for a different outcome to this investigation, but we trust that the Reno County Sheriff’s Department has completed a thorough investigation. It saddens us for the alleged victim, our debate and forensics students and for Mr. Young. The administration and Board will determine an appropriate response to these allegations. Because this is a personnel matter, we can not comment further."

Coments on the above story:

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: anonymous Location: Kansas on Mar 5, 2008 at 05:27 PM
I also have known Mr. Young for years, not on a personal level, but have known him in the education arena. I was shocked and found the allegations hard to beleive. He is known to be a great educator and coach. However, what will be worse than these allegations, is if the youth is telling the truth and we refuse to even have an in-depth investigation. What is that old saying, "Where there's smoke, there's fire." Has he been exhiting a preference for student company rather than adult company? There is no template for a crime of this sort. Anyone could be guilty. I hope the allegations are just that...allegations, but on the other hand, we must not assume we absolutely know.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: buhler on Mar 1, 2008 at 11:21 PM
in my opinion young will always have a job or at least i hope he will always have a job at buhler teaching the kids some amazing stuff

Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 1, 2008 at 08:33 AM
Now that all this has happened to Mr. Young (i.e. the accusations the media posting pictures and videos of him, his house, his name.) the only thing that matters is him doing 4 years of prison. He won't be able to go back to teach because some people will think he is still guilty, and the school doesn't want to look bad. When he goes to get a new job, they'll probably turn him down because he was accused of sexual exploitation with a child. The way the media has twisted this is sick.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: buhler on Feb 28, 2008 at 09:23 PM
in response to would i let my child b with him the answer is absolutly yes he taught my child many great things and i will forever be in debt to this wonderful man

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Buhler on Feb 28, 2008 at 09:17 PM
for everyone not supporting young unless you know him dont make judgements when he has led buhler to 3 back to back to back state championships and 2 back to back 4n6 state championships he was is and will forever be a great man and im am pround to call him my hero for his how he has reacted to this ridcule

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 27, 2008 at 09:55 PM
One of the most important things Mr. Young has taught me as a debate coach is the burden of proof. The constitution clearly says "Guilty until proven innocent." So why are people criticizing if you have never even met the man? Mr. Young has been one of the most influential people in my entire life. He has been teaching for 47 years. If these accusations were true, why haven't any of the other foreign exchange students staying with him turned him in? Because he did not commit these crimes. The Buhler Debate and Forensics squad will not go down without a fight.

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 27, 2008 at 09:54 PM
Stay Strong Coach Young! You're respected by many many people.

Posted by: A Praying Citizen on Feb 27, 2008 at 07:33 PM
Mr. Young is innocent. Anyone who has spent any time with him knows that already. Please everyone pray for him. He deserves the best and deserves to have this over with. He's a GREAT man. He'll be in my prayers, will he be in yours?

Posted by: Billy Location: Buhler on Feb 27, 2008 at 07:28 PM
Hi kake, anonomous here. I've read through the comments on this story, and I really enjoyed the strong debate style of the last comment. However, I would like to say a few things of my own. One, you followed the BASKETBALL team to Cheney for them to say something about the DEBATE coach. One might think that since he was the debate coach, KAKE news could have interviewed someone who might have actually known Mr. Young. Not someone who had never talked to him or even been influenced by his presence. Also, taking that women's statement, last night, completely out of context to make it seem like everyone believed that he had actually committed these acts. Another low blow by Kake news. Finally, I'm not posting this comment to slam Kake 10, I'm writing this to slam what you have said and done, so do not take it personally.

Posted by: A praying citizen on Feb 27, 2008 at 07:17 PM
KAKE I'm making a plea to have you to tell the viewers of this station how much support Mr. Young has. Anyone that has actually spent a few minutes with the wonderful man knows just how GREAT he is. I'm also appalled by how the news cast seems to imply that he's already guilty. Please change the picture that you have of him. The one you chose is one that helps the unfair stigma that he's guilty. Show what he really looks like, a proud and extremely respected coach. If you're going to come into a small community to get a big story don't leave with only one side, this station has contributed to the tarnishing of his reputation. You owe him an apology. Even if you choose to wait till the court shows you that he's innocent, he deserves an apology. This is a great station, but you slipped up this time. He deserves the same respect that you would want if you were falsely accused of. Everyone please keep praying for Mr. Young spirits to be kept up and for a stoppage of all the slandering.

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 27, 2008 at 05:53 PM
Because Mr. Young was, after all, a debate coach, i believe it necessary to comment in a noteworthy manner by looking at the arguments (if you could call them such) of those opposing. 1) "Buhler needs a better screening system" The most stringent screening system possible wouldn't have worked because no one has ever brought such a slanderous accusation against him before. 2) "He should rot in hell" This is one of my personal favorites. I don't even need to analyze the ignorance made blatant in this comment. . . . 3)"If this was your child. . . ." It seems that this person greatly could have benefited from Mr. Young as a teacher. Firstly, note the impressive grammatical accuracy (lack of commas, no subjunctive mood, "inocense"). Secondly, to the author: the number of exclamation points following a statement does not increase your credibility. Finally, this is at best a rudimentary appeal to emotion. Try using logic next time. I can see nothing other than a defendant ballot. Thank you.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Hutchinson on Feb 27, 2008 at 05:44 PM
I talked with a good friend of mine today who had Mr.Young as her debate teacher when he taught at Hutchinson High School. She said she was totally shocked to hear of these alligations. She said that Mr Young was one of the most influential people in her life and she can not even believe that he would do such a thing. Innocent until proven guilty!

Posted by: John on Feb 27, 2008 at 05:01 PM
Hey, you all pulled my comment. What are you afraid of? Must have hit too close to home. Shame on KAKE news again. Guess you cannot stand the same level of critcism you allow the misguided and misinformed to dish out to others. Not only do I not want my children to read some of the comments here, I also don't them to see how a "news" organization, who claims to represent the interests of the public, censors a public forum they set up just because the comments are not to their liking. If you don't like the heat, then disable ALL of the public comments, not just ones that critcize you! (Editors note: We can take criticism just fine. However, inappropriate comments are pulled.)

Posted by: George on Feb 27, 2008 at 04:02 PM
Having been in education all of my professional life, I can tell you that in over 75% of these cases, the alledged victim is actually trying to commit fraud and slander by falsely accusing the teacher in order to divert attention from their own issues. The sad fact is that the accusation alone is enough to permanently damage an innocent person's life and reputation, no matter how many retractions are issued later supposedly clearing the teacher -- the REAL victim -- of the charges. Each case must be decided on the facts to the standard of innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, not the kangaroo court of public opinion. Cheers for those who support this standard. Assuming this man is innocent, I pray for a quick resolution and comfort in his time of trouble. If he is not, I pray the facts will prevail and the proper actions will be taken.

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 27, 2008 at 03:45 PM
Richard Young is a respectable man and has dedicated his life to educating students. He is an nationally recognized coach in debate and forensics and does not deserve this scrutiny or to be "condemned to hell" based on ignorance or accusations. Our court systems were founded on the idea that you are innocent until proven guilty, so why are people so quick to jump to conclusions? While Mr. Young has been arrested, he has NOT been convicted. It is a shame that because of the ignorance of a community and the accusations of a foreign exchange student that his reputation has been tarnished. We should not be so quick to condemn him. He is well respected by his students and is not "dangerous." Hopefully the justice system pulls through because he deserves nothing less. He has not been convicted of taking "innocence from a child" yet, and it is this type of ignorance that fails our justice system.

Posted by: a concerned citizen on Feb 27, 2008 at 01:55 PM
many of these comments (as with most of the prosecution) have been made in ignorance. what ever happened to the burden of proof in this country? i believe that it's highly offensive that someone would condemn a man to hell merely because someone heard that a bipolar, manic depressed foreign exchange student made an accusation with absolutely no credibility or backing whatsoever. if that's all that it takes to slander a man's reputation in this country, if people jump to conclusions that quickly, we have truly lost our sense of justice and dignity. it's sickening how quickly people jump to conclusions.

Posted by: Will Location: Buhler District on Feb 27, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Mr. Young coached me in debate and forensics. He has hosted foreign exchange students for a long time. He is still hosting one for 8 years while the student is attending college. Never once did I ever feel like I would be violated or ever have to worry about that form of a situation while being around Young. He is innocent until proven guilty. The victim in question is most likely the foriegn exchange student that filed the charges. This student has failed multiple psychology tests. This may just be a ploy by the student

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 27, 2008 at 09:35 AM
supporters of the man guilty if this was your child you would not be supporting his inocense, he took inocense from a child!!!!!!!

Posted by: Cliff Secord Location: Buhler, KS on Feb 27, 2008 at 08:12 AM
This guy is in serious trouble. He might not be able to get another job after this.

Posted by: Linda Location: Topeka on Feb 26, 2008 at 11:30 PM
I know and have worked with Richard personally. There is no way this is true. He is a dedicated professional and has given his life to the students of the state of Kansas. He IS the top debate coach in our state and is one of the top coaches nationally. He has taken in foreign exchange students for over a decade, perhaps two decades. I knew many of the students he had taken in. He's been a highly respected administrator in Kansas schools as well. There is something wrong with this accusation. We should all be asking ourselves how someone who has given 47 years of their life to Kansas kids, with a spotless, stellar reputation can be thrown in a jail cell on the report of one foreign exchange student.

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 26, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Portraying the Buhler School District and schools in general as poor choices to educate our children, because of the "lack of a better screening system" is ridiculous. All school districts undergo a strict process in regards to the employees they hire. Statements about rotting in hell does not benefit anyone. You're quick to judge. Do citizens not realize the concept of innocent until proven guilty??? Coach Young has benefited not only the debaters and forensicators, but the school, the community and the state in more ways than one. Portraying him as an evil person does not help school districts to "better educate" our students. Buhler School District has a strong academic record, as well as the numerous trophies and championships that Young has contributed to the school. After 40 years in education, he is more than qualified to educate students. I personally know he has impacted many lives and instilled valuable life lessons. I support the BHS debaters and forensicators whole heartedy

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 26, 2008 at 10:19 PM
why are people so sick these days??

Posted by: Christy Location: Buhler Ks on Feb 26, 2008 at 09:59 PM
INNOCENTUNTIL PROVEN GUILTY!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: The Buhler District on Feb 26, 2008 at 09:26 PM
For any parent that is concerned about this situation I ask that you wait and stop assuming that he's guilty. I understand that many people in our school district may not know him, but if you did then you would understand why is is considered a hero by all. Everyone is safe at Buhler High School with him there. When he is there he brings the attitude that should be in our schools. He cares for kids and he knows what is right and what is wrong. He is one of the highest regarded debate coaches in the country. He may be a lot of things like a true friend, a hard worker, an amazing coach, but he is NOT dangerous to anyone. He a real man and he is innocent! The community of Buhler is blessed to have such a great man to live here. He will be proven innocent and that's that.

Posted by: Evelyn Location: Hutchinson on Feb 26, 2008 at 09:22 PM
Innocent until proven guilty.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: The Buhler community on Feb 26, 2008 at 09:15 PM
Please don't slander this great man's name. It has been an honor knowing him. There is no doubt in this community that he is innocent. We know what will happen in the end. We look forward to the day in which everyone stops bugging him about all of this. He is innocent, but until legal documents confirm this fact please stop telling this story as if he was guilty. It's innocent before proven guilty. Please do it like the courts do, don't make the story seem like he's guilty. He is a hero to many and he has been a blessing to everyone who has gotten the chance to be coached by him. We support him, please do the same.

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 26, 2008 at 04:37 PM
Why doesn't the school district get a better screening system to keep our children safe. Home schooling will be the only safe way to educate our children.May he rot in hell.