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 Timothy Byars |
The penalty combines the Knoxville rape charge with a second sexual battery charge from Nashville that occurred earlier that night against the rape victim's sister, who was a teenager at the time.
Byars received a one-year sentence for the rape charge, which is a Class D Felony. He received an 11-month, 29-day sentence for the sexual battery charge, which is a misdemeanor. Nassios said Byars will spend a year in the Knox County Jail and then be transferred to Davidson County to serve the remainder of the sentence.
Nassios said the penalty does not offer Byars opportunities to reduce his sentence.
After the prison time, Byars faces seven years of "enhanced" probation. Nassios said the prosecution sought more restrictive rules during the probation period. Knox County Criminal Court Judge Marybeth Leibowitz sentenced Byars also to a lifetime of supervision.
Byars's probation will be under the auspices of the Knox County office of the Tennessee Board of Probation and Parole, although Nassios said Byars could seek to have his case transferred to another locale.
Byars was mandated to register as a sex offender.
The rape victim's father delivered the allocution on his family's behalf, telling Byars how his criminal act devastated his daughter and family.
State law allows victims, or family members of victims, to describe to the offender how a criminal act has affected their family.
Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. If you feel that a comment is offensive, please
Is there something I'm missing here? Why only two years?
I just wonder how many times the DHS Faculty was warned about this man's behavior prior to this incident? I know, as a parent, that the staff at DHS will not take action, even when confronted with a situation involving a teacher/child cover-up. I find it difficult to believe that this is his first "situation" with a student, and those students/parents/staff that felt uncomfortable with him being around should be ashamed for not preventing these acts from occuring in the first place.
Hard to tell by the charge , but if this was a forcible rape, he should never again be a free man.
"Byars received a one-year sentence for the rape charge, which is a Class D Felony. He received an 11-month, 29-day sentence for the sexual battery charge, which is a misdemeanor."
He raped a 14 year old girl and committed sexual battery without consent on a 19 year old girl. What the heck?!?!?! I don't get it. I feel that he should have recieved more actual jail time. But I think they did a good job by following up with seven years of "enhanced" probation with more restrictive rules during that period. And that they sentenced Byars also to a lifetime of supervision. Byars was also mandated to register as a sex offender. At least they did that.
But I was glad that the girls father was given the opportunity to speak his peace to Byars for what he has done to his family. I hope they have found some small bit of comfort in this and I pray that they find true peace of mind as well.
i feel sorry for the girl
Two Years???? That's it???
I hate this for all parties involved! But . . .
you're the one freaking out and bringing up his kids
Excuse me for asking, takeabiggirlpill.
Controversy sells, but whose buying?
Wait, takeabiggirlpill, are you saying this story is twisted? I'm only commenting on this particular story. I have a daughter at DHS, and want her protected from this kind of vermin. This isn't an Editorial Page! A child and a young adult were violated. A court has found this man guilty. This online newspaper reported that fact. After reading this story four times now (just to try and realize your point), I don't think it's biased or controversial in any way. It's an accurate portrayal of what took place in Knoxville. Am I wrong about this?
The court DID NOT find him guilty, he plead out!
I did not say a Jury found him guilty! The order will state, "This Court of the State of Tennessee finds you Guilty....." Again, sorry.
What is gulity? Type slower.
i know tim personally and before hearing this i didnt believe that he did it. tim is a strong christian man and i gave him the benefit of the doubt because of that. i believe he made a mistake as we all do sometimes and he will have to pay the consequences. and one day he will have to answer to God why he did this and that will be far worse than a mere 2 years in prison and a lifetime of supervision.
he plead guilty without going to trial. thats why he only got 2 years of prison.
takeabiggirlpill, when you plead guilty, you are found guilty. This is to prevent the expense of a trial. You are still "found guilty" by a Court of Law. You may get a lesser sentence because of the plea, but you are still "found guilty" by the Court. I'll read as slow as you want me to, but it'll always be a guilty verdict of the Court unless it is overturned on appeal. No proofreading, just facts.
Checkmate!!!
Good grief folks, stop it, would you! He plead guilty, end of story!!!
I really hate to bring this up but two years is a miscarriage of justice. If this guy would have been Hispanic or African-American he would have received a much harsher sentence. It just goes to show justice isn't blind or equal.
..former state Parole Officer
cheermom22, this is the Internet. CNN.com, FoxNews.com, etc. allow for comments. Are they wrong? It's no different than talk radio, Oprah, or 60 Minutes. It's no different than when someone mailed a comment to their newspaper or TV station years ago. Is it right? It's progress.
If this crime would have happened in Dyer County the DA and Judge would have let him off with time served. At least Knox County did put him in jail for some time!
Most people that plead guilty still receive 8-15 years in prison for rape. The Judge in this case that allowed this plea bargain should be removed from the bench. Byars must have had one hell of a lawyer. The DA in this case was definitely slipping. This just makes me sick.
Why did it take almost two years ?
Although Tim plead guilty to this event, I hope everyone will join me tonight as we lay our heads down on our pillows and pray for Tim, his wife, and their children as they face this first night of what will surely be 729 nights of hell for them. I will pray for the girls involved in this matter as well! I hate this happened.
OH NO, I can't believe my eyes, reading the comments by "the true gentleman" and "my escape"!!You are both emphasizing pity for the creep rapist, saying everyone makes mistakes? Yeah sure we all go out and rape minors...maybe you high and mighty christians think a sin is a sin, but this is a major offense against these girls and they can not get over it in 2 years! Shame on the both of you for minimizing his actions, and you are no gentleman, closing your pathetic comments with a brief mention that you will also pray for the girls, after ranting on about how bad this is for the horrible creep rapist and the hell his family will be in for 729 nights...unbelievable! How many nights of hell will the young ladies be in? Byars wife should divorce him, and children disown him. He has lost nothing, and his church friends make sure he is comforted!! This is why I don't attend services of any organized religion...
hmmmm 1 year for raping a 14 year old child verses 2 years for just being in the wrong place at the wrong time during a drug bust.
you mean to tell me this man has a support group now? unbelievable... i don't care if you think he's a good christian man or not, you're obviously very wrong because this 'authority figure' admits he raped a 14 year old child
i bet it wouldn't be so easy for you to turn the other cheek in forgiveness if the victim was one of your family members
there are other people who have pleaded guilty and done 1 to 2 yrs in county jail and still got 8 to 25 yrs. alot of sex offenders have to do 85 to 100 percent of their time. why the difference
This is a volent crime. He has no right to ever get out of prison. A animal of this nature will do this again. How can his wife stand to look at him much less, stay married to an animal?????????? . A christian YADA YADA, He has tainted a image of a christian for ever. My support is with the victims and their family!!
Only two years for him ,but a life time of bad memories for the girls . So unjust victims have less rights than the perpatrators.
WHEN PEOPLE STAND UP FOR WRONG, THAT IS WHY TALK DOESN'T ATTEND CHURCH SERVICES...BYARS HAS A HUGE PRICE TO PAY AND THE SYSTEM LET HIM OFF...YOU HAVE SOME YOUNG GIRLS WHO ARE DAMAGED FOR LIFE...IF YOU FEEL PITY FOR BYARS, THEN IT IS WISE TO DO IT PRIVATELY, BECAUSE RIGHT NOW, THERE IS NO SYMPATHY FOR HIM..OF COURSE, EVERYONE MAKES MISTAKES....RAPE IS PREMEDITATED, SO IT'S NOT A MISTAKE..IT'S SAD THAT THESE YOUNG GIRLS THOUGHT THEY WERE WITH SOMEONE THEY COULD TRUST AND THEIR PARENTS FELT THE SAME...MAKE YOU TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT WHO MY CHILDREN ARE AROUND AT AFTER SCHOOL EVENTS...
You mean to tell me that you guys have no pity for the children and wife of this man? How sad!
READ MATTHEW 18:21,22
Wow..."forgiven" sure has a lot of love in his/her heart, huh? haha!! We have been beaten over our heathen heads with the Bible, from an arrogant so-called christian who needs to stop and think what would Jesus do.
This is beyond unbelievable to read that an ignorant, preachy, goody-two-shoes can harp about forgiveness for this sexual predator, while pointing fingers at the victims.
I don't have time to address each ridiculous remark by "forgiven', but a couple that stand out are that "people go to church to become better people"...that worked out well for Byars, huh? Hopefully prison will make him a better person than church did! AND the forgiveness being preached in this absurd entry is not being given to the victims, but hateful remarks about them wanting attention. NOW, "forgiven", go in shame and humility & ask God's forgiveness for yourself, and stop spewing your angry hatred in GOD's name. HE is not happy with you.
As for the rest of us who think the rapist got off easy, we believe the scripture that says.. woe unto those who hurt children!!
"I don't see how much could happen in a car where his two daughters were in the same car?? Why didn't someone scream if something was going on they didn't want??
-- Posted by dominoe on Tue, Jul 15, 2008, at 10:53 AM"
You obviously have never been a scared 14 year old little girl in a situation where someone you looked up to and trusted was taking adavantage of you and never had to feel the awfulness and confusion and terror that you "didn't" ask for or deserve. So if your confused, I hope you stay that way and never have to go through a horrible and unimaginable experience like this 14 year old little girl did.
This man has not only ruined his own life, but that of his wife and children, and has traumatized for life 2 innocent girls. He deserves to serve ALL of the 9 year sentence, and then still be placed on probation. He should have to report his whereabouts at all times, 24/7 til the day he dies.
I feel sorry for his wife and kids. I don't feel sorry for him.
He did it. You can't tell me he didn't.
He plead guilty because his lawyer told him it was hopeless? Yea right.
If someone accused me of such a heinous act and I knew I didn't do it, there's no way I'd plead guilty. I'd fight it until the end.
He plead guilty because he wanted a smaller sentence than he deserved.
Who these girls are or what they've done in their past or who their parents are doesn't matter. They were brutally victimized by this man and they are children. They will suffer the rest of their lives with what has been done to them.
Saying "I just saw the girls and they seem fine" is about the most ignorant thing I've ever read.
Honestly, you all should be ashamed of yourselves.
Okay. First of all, Forgiven, this is not meant to jump on you. My questions to you are calm, and trying to start some sort of dialogue, not an argument. Why are you so convinced that he is innocent, even after he plead guilty? Do you have some inside information that we do not have? Or are you basing your opinion on the mere fact that he's been a good person and good Christian? Lots of good Christians have broken laws. Lots of good Christians have been very bad people that have portrayed themselves as good people to the outside world. Yes, it is possible that those girls were lying. It is also just as possible that this man could have been hiding an evil aspect of himself from everyone. That was for the courts to decide. He plead guilty, so we who do not know any of the facts can only assume that he is guilty. Forgive him if you wish, but please also remember to bestow the same privelege to those who commit crimes that do not go to church and may not be considered good Christians. Too many times I have seen the benefit of the doubt given to a criminal who was a regular in church, and the same benefit not given to someone who doesn't believe. It breaks my heart to see the hipocracy.
You know, I hear in prison that pedophile's aren't treated very nicely...
You know, I also hear that what goes around comes around...
So, in the end I am sure that evil men(and women) reap what they sew even before they meet their maker.
It appears that many of the commenters may not know this, but there was no alleged sexual intercourse. Lookup the definition of rape in Tennessee and you will see that there are many different actions that could result in a rape charge that do not involve sexual intercourse.
As far as the girls being devistated, their appearance in the community does not show signs of this. Their day to day life does not appear to have been altered whatsoever, as early as even next day. Our prayers go out to all involve because Tim will answer for his part but so will the girls. As far as a support group, yes there is one.
-- Posted by dalefan on Tue, Jul 15, 2008, at 2:45 PM
In response:
Hooray for the girls for not letting this pedophile ruin their lives!!! Good for them! It is inspiring to see them continue to live their lives and I commend them for being strong as hard as I am sure it is for them. Maybe their story of surviving with dignity will give another girl inspiration.
I can not believe a child rapist only got 2 years.
the prosecutor needs to lose his job. he should have gotten at least 20 years and then all the rest of what they gave him.
what message does does the light sentenced send to other rapist to me it says come to our town to rape kids we will make sure you do not spend much time in jail. this is a travesty of Justus.
i hope and pray that the people do not reelect this D.A. back in office.
this poor girl will be messed up for life. what is the state coming to when someone like this gets so little punishment for such a heinous crime.
well i guess freedom of speech doesn't apply. Seems that anything positive said about Tim or his family is being removed. Anything in favor of him being sentenced is staying on for people to gloat over.THE END!!!!
Surely everyone has thought about this. The man plead guilty to rape of a 14 yr old girl and other sexual charges of another teen. Now, I strongly believe if he was innocent why wouldn't his family spend every cent to prove it and stay out of prison or jail. Not to mention, keeping his "good" name cleared. He plead guilty ... he is guilty in my eyes. I don't know the man or his family and I don't know the victims or their families. As for you so called christian "you really don't know Tim", get with it. The sentence is too light...20 years sounds better and "grab this pocket and follow me, better not let go boy".
Reading some of these comments have really opened my eyes to how people judge and have all the answers. Like to address to one comment especially. To talk2t53 ,I see a;lot of judgment on a situation when you don't have all the facts. You judged us "so high and mighty Christians" for forgiving as God expects us to do. You admitted that you don't attend any religion , so how are you to know about a church family. You might want to get your head out of the sand and get in a Bible to know what it says. Did you personally know of Tim and meet and talk to him?
God forbid you may also be in a situation that needs forgiveness,Remember if you point a finger , there are three pointing back to you.
I see all negative comments on here and wonder if anything positive is posted.
For those of you who only know what you have read in the papers and on the internet, there was no sexual intercourse between Byars and the alleged victims. Look up the definition of rape for Tennessee and you will see that it covers many other things in addition to SI. As for me, I will continue to pray for both families.
Parents need to realize, whether it's football, basketball, track, band or drama...those who are in charge need to be monitored, too.
well i used to think that rape was the worst thing that could happen to girls but i know now what that is.you ppl are crazy for talking bout this like you have.i don't care if you forgive anyone or not.i have no idea what really happened in that car but i know GOD knows and he will punish whoever committed an act of wrong doing christian or not and before you say something stupid like you don't know what these girls are going thur STOP cause my daughter was taken advantaged and i see what its has done to her.she survived and didn't become a victim.yes if i could i would kill the guy but i know in my heart thats wrong.GOD will punish one day.remember ppl in GOD eyes lying is as bad as rape.READ YOUR BIBLE!!!!!!
This man should be stripped of everything he had. He should had gotton more time. Why do some think he should get off.What he did was terrible. I do not feel sorry for him. I don't care who he is. Why should we turn our heads. I feel sorry for his wife and kids. Not him!!!!. What you said is true Win2Kadm.
WHY DID MY COMMENTS ABOUT FORGIVING HIM IF HE DID IT & PRAYING FOR HIM GET DELETED????? HAVE ALL YOU PEOPLE FORGOTTON THE GIRLS MOM AGREED TO THIS PLEA? WHY WOULD SHE DO THAT IF HER GIRLS WERE REALLY ASSAULTED? BET YOU HAVEN'T THOUGHT ABOUT THAT HAVE YOU?
"IF" the mother agreed to the plea, I would be willing to bet that she is trying to help her girls find closure - instead of having postponed by Byars for another year. But that's just me....
Also, it is my understanding that when a plea bargain is offered that it is between the CRIMINAL DEFENDANT to accept or deny the offer and the PROSECUTING ATTORNEY who offers it, not the victims mother. But that's just me....
Where is Freedom of Speech at????/ Quit deleting my comments are you scared of the truth!!!
Everyone in Dyer County gets a plea deal. Just becuase he plead guilty for a reduced sentence doesn't make him innocent. I'm white and I never hear any of you bible thumpers shouting forgiveness and "he plead out becuase he was innocent and was afraid he would get more at trial", when it is a black kid on trial for something. Just becuase this guy was a regular at church, had some money, and a lot of friends does not make him innocent by any means. And no it doesn't matter that the girl's mom agreed to the deal. Maybe she was afraid that he would get off at trial and wanted him to do some time. Also, Law Enforcement is not CSI there is not DNA on everything everywhere. If you don't do a rape kit almost immediately then the evidence is gone.
By the way you can look back to the March 26 article in the Gazette that States, "Knoxville police said he confessed to the allegation after he was arrested." Your move Pat Robertson.
To "feels the hurt" there is nothing positive about this situation to say! Get your head out of the sand....haha. I not only know the Bible through and through, but that is the very reason I don't go to church: so-called christians not living true to The Word. There are some who are faithful to God's word, but not enough for me to waste my time going through the motions of playing church.
Your entry and forgiven's hatefulness is proof that you are blind to anything other than what you want to believe. Meeting Byars and talking with him does not change anything. I hope he is as sorry for what he has done as he is for getting caught. Now you christians need to also reach out to the victims, and exhibit real forgiveness and kindness, if you think they are lying.
BUT for the rest of us...we believe he is guilty, and with repentance, needs to also beg the girls' forgiveness. If he was honorable and innocent, he would not have pled guilty, but trusted God for vindication.
Kudos to talk2t53. I think that was very well put, I agree with you in that if he was innocent he would not have confessed and then pled guilty.
why are all of these comments being deleted? No one is saying anything bad, they are just defending their side. I think it is bush league to erase or not approve what people are saying on the comment board. Then banning people from posting comments??? You got to be kidding me!
IF THE STATE GAZETTE DOESN'T WANT EVERYONE'S OPINION THEY NEED TO TAKE THE COMMENT SECTION OFF OF HERE. I KNOW I'M PRETTY MAD ABOUT THEM DELETING MY COMMENTS & THEY WILL HERE ABOUT IT. APPARENTLY THEY HAVE ALREADY JUDGED TIM & DON'T WANT TO HEAR THE REAL TRUTH, THEY JUST WANT TO HEAR THE RUMORS & LIES.
IF THE STATE GAZETTE DOESN'T WANT EVERYONE'S OPINION THEY NEED TO TAKE THE COMMENT SECTION OFF OF HERE. I KNOW I'M PRETTY MAD ABOUT THEM DELETING MY COMMENTS & THEY WILL HERE ABOUT IT. APPARENTLY THEY HAVE ALREADY JUDGED TIM & DON'T WANT TO HEAR THE REAL TRUTH, THEY JUST WANT TO HEAR THE RUMORS & LIES.
everyone thinks that their side is the the truth, but the fact is that he pled guilty. As far as the state of Tennessee and any other body that looks back on this in the future is concerned, he is guilty.
I would juts like to put my in put on this situation I think it is wrong I believe he did not touch that 14 year old girl and the other one either for that fact I think the girls wanted him to touch them but if he said he touched one of them then he should be sentenced and do the time I just hope after he gets out he can be with his kids again by himself I know myself I would never believed he would do that not in a million years but if he was convicted then he needs to get his time done I hate it for him I am going to continue to love him after all this is over with and treat him like he needs to be treated I will always be there for him and his family as well
Springhill Baptist church. This is number three.
Well written healthgirl and your words are very Christian in nature.
SoDyersburg, isn't that the truth?
Number 3, as in Dale Earnhardt? I thought he was dead. Is that a coded message telling them that you're really alive and that you'll be at church this coming Sunday? Will you please bring Elvis with you? I'm lost.
I AM SO THANKFUL THAT SOMEONE PULLED MY COMMENT OFF OF HERE. I WISH EVERYONE COULD HAVE READ IT. IT WAS THE GOD'S HONEST TRUTH.
THANK YOU WHOMEVER YOU ARE YOU MUST BE A TIM FAN.
I understand that everyone is opinionated here, however, healthgirl what you said was very cruel, I don't know how you can make comments like that and talk about God in the same conversation. And if you're glad that your comment got removed then why did you post it in the first place?
TN MOM.... what do you mean springhill this is nuber 3?
how about all the other perv teachers , coaches etc that have been accused of this lately. There have been alot more than just this weirdo doing this. Im counting my days until i can leave this screwed up town in west tennessee.
some of you people who are moaning and wringing your hands about Tim only getting 2 years should examine yourself! I would bet that half of those who wrote in and spouted their hatred,have dark secrets that they wouldnt want to come to light! as a matter of fact, everyone has!it's amazing how many righteous people we have in Dyersburg, when our churches are almost empty on Sunday! as for the person with the sharp knife, you are sick!!!!
Tennessee9, if you dont want to live here, then hit the road! we'd probably be better off without you anyway!!!
tennessee9- you aren't gone yet?!!!
seenitall- I agree that the biggest part of us have dark secrets and skeletons in our closets, however most of which wouldn't carry jail time.
This if for talk2t53. I'll tell what Jesus would do, HE would forgive. If you would attend one of those organized religions you spoke about, you would know this. I have discovered that ones that give the reason you did for not attending isn't a reason, it's an excuse. I'll pray for you anyway, because even though I don't know who you are as talk2t53, GOD DOES!
The truth is - anyone can accuse anyone of doing ANYTHING! Trying to prove onself against a minor is nearly impossible!
He said She said, ones word alone is strictly circumstantial and would not have been enough to get this case bound over to a grand jury for indictment. The fact that there is evedince and let's not forget HIS OWN CONFESSION at the time he was arrested, but that's just me.....
"saved and proud" of it is another haughty church member. Have you noticed they are the most hateful, condemning commentators on here? They love byars and hate the rest of us for speaking out against his awful sin.
They just DO NOT GET IT! Why can't they be as angry about what he did, instead of preaching to us about forgiveness? It is not our place to forgive him, and this is a public forum to post opinions. Their retort to the comments regarding this story, have gotten too far off the issue, in their narrow minded defense of a low down sexual predator.
talk2t53: Just because I'm a christian (haughty churh member), does that make my comments more hateful than yours? And as far as getting off the subject, you seem to do that in every comment you post by continuing downing the church and any one that attends. It isn't our or your place to judge anyone, God takes care of that.
"Saved and Proud of it":
I believe what "talk2t53" is trying to say, as so many of us posting here are as well, is that just because someone goes to church on Sunday it doesn't make them a "Christian" and it most certainly does NOT give them the right or excuse them from RAPING a 14 year old little girl, but that's just me.....
I would really like for all the people defending Byers to consider how they'd feel if someone from the church raped THEIR baby.
Would you Forgive? Would it be okay as long as he loved Jesus?
Changing the story, but I doubt the teacher from Lake County gets at least two years for actually having sex with her students.
Thank you ever so much, "saved & proud of it" for continuing to prove my point!
Also, raspberry and grasshopper, you hit the nail on the head. The bottom line is byars is a sexual predator, he got off lightly, the girls will carry this all their lives, byars' friends have forgiven him (which is their choice) but DO NOT DEFEND him in the name of the Lord, and expect the rest of us readers to swallow your bull.
If Tim's fan club didn't know him, they would also be outraged at his despicable actions, which proves they let the truth become blurred. I know the Bible teaches to reprimand your brother if/when he is trespassing. Love and support is Christian. Defense and denial is sinful. End of subject!
One more thing...if forgiven and saved want to defend this man, write to me privately: wildfiretnt@yahoo.com, and save the other readers from your ludicrousness.
I feel bad for both families involved.
Wow I can't believe you people. No matter if Tim was a friend of yours or a total stranger it does not change the fact that he raped "with no sexual intercourse" a 14 yr-old and committed sexual battery on her sister. No matter how you try to sugar coat it in your little clics, the fact remains that the man is sick. I have two children of my own and to think that someone touched them or worse would drive me insane. TWO years!! Come on! This guy ruined the innocence of 2 children and what do you do "Let's forgive him, let's forget it happened" or defending this sicko in the name of the LORD! Thank GOD i am not a member of that church. I've worked in a prison and men who commit crimes against a child are on the bottom of the food chain. When he gets to prison and the other inmates find out, he'll know what being violated is! do i feel sorry for him? Not at all! Makes you want to home school your kids because the teachers can't even be trusted anymore.
To the family of those poor girls: I am deeply sorry for the crimes this so called "man" commited against your children. i am also sorry that because Tim was part of some inner circle in this town that some of these people let his status in the community override their natural good judgement.
I have read alot of comments on this Byers topic and believe alot of people don't really know what true forgiveness means. So I can understand why there are so many that can't accept this action. How do I knoW.
Jesus Christ Forgave me of my sins in my life no matter how bad. He still forgives me when I do wrong. He has given me the spirit of forgiveness that only he can give. I didn't deserve to be forgiven but he did it anyway. We Christians know this and this is why we have no problem in forgiving.For you non forgivers search your heart and see if you know the one who forgives.
We Church people are different because God has made us this way and as for me I wouldn't want it any other way as knowing Christ. We are his and if you have a problem with Christians , you really have a problem with God. Yes we are Gods clic ..
regardless what you think Tim is a Christian and God will truly judge. He was judged as doing wrong and will pay for his sin but God has forgiven him and why can't we.
I don't know this girl personally but I have children of my own. I want the parent's of these little girl's and the girls as well to know that they have many people on their side. You are not alone, although it may feel that way to you sometimes. I want you to know that you DID THE RIGHT THING!! You have ensured, at least while he is in jail, that he will not harm another child - you are corageous for standing up for yourself and for telling someone. I don't know you, but I am so proud of you!! Hold your head up high and know that you did what was right.
This is very sad for everyone involved. I especially feel sad for the child and her sister. When you trust your children in the hands of "authority figures" like this, just the thought of something like this happening is sickening. I am very sorry for the grief you must have endured. I am also very sorry for this man's wife and many children. Sometimes you don't know the "real person" until something like this happens. I am very sorry to everyone who has been hurt by this man's despicable actions. I was like many and doubted that he did it, but when you see a guilty plea, that's enough for me. I pray for all of the victims. I cannot believe he only received 2 years. That should be a crime in itself.
The bible says, yield not to temptation. Unfortunately Tim did not and therefore he has to spend time in jail to think about what he did wrong. God does forgive sin but there must be payment. King David had to pay 4 fold for his sin and he was a man after God's own heart.
Amen, peoples advocate.
Bet there was a lot of people praying the day that Byars was in court to get a 2yr sentence...Many prayers to the people affected by all of this..
I believe that no matter how parents choose to raise their children and no matter no matter what type of behavior the children are prone to, that doesn't give anyone the right to RAPE a 14 year old little girl - he was NOT charged on the girls word alone, there WAS evidence. And again, just because someone goes to church on Sunday it doesn't make them a "Christian" and it most certainly does NOT give them the right or excuse them from RAPING a 14 year old little girl, but that's just me.....
intheknow21- You don't know these things. When someone is "known for" that often means they're rumored about (which Dyersburg is very good about doing to families that don't deserve it).
The facts are: A child said she was raped. Law Enforcement found enough evidence to charge him for the crime. There has to be more than just someone SAYING it to make the criminal charge. This isn't just because she claims it happened. There has to be more than that. HE plead guilty (when he could have plead "No Contest" if he truly felt like fighting back would only hurt him and had any innocence to maintain).
And now the girl involved continues to be abused by society because they would rather believe she made it up than believe a "man of the church" would do such a thing.
Newsflash: 1 in 4 girls gets raped- it's rarely ever a stranger. It's someone they know and trust.
to intheknow21 - what you say is exactly the truth! Some of the "know it alls" on here know nothing except what they read in the paper.
Why is it than when people who actually know the people involved leave comments, that they are deleted??
He said She said, ones word alone is strictly circumstantial and is NOT enough to get any case bound over to a grand jury for indictment. The fact that there IS evedince and let's not forget HIS OWN CONFESSION at the time he was arrested. And if someone I was close to and knew very well did this to someone's baby girl, whether or not I liked the girl, I would turn my back on him and never speak to or support him in any fashion ever again, but that's just me.....
None of his "friends" have made any mention of the fact HE CONFESSED!!!!! now why on earth would you confess to something you did not do. Much less at the onset of the investigation before they had any extra evidence that time would have allowed.
right, that's just you.....
intheknow21-
You're contradicting yourself now. Are you asking about hypothetical situations? Or do you "know?" Because you've stated both...
And every other red blooded normal American......
Feels the hurt....you are sick. Tim is a christian? Many church going people I have dealt with have been caught in lying situations that have backfired on them. They do it simply because they feel if you go to church, show up in your Sunday best with your family, you are excused from any poor malicious decisions that you choose to make. If you are so caught up in your denial, send your 16 daughter out with him and see if he feels her hurt also. The fact that you can go to church 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, times a week does not make you a better person than the person that you aleady are not. Character is not developed within a ministry. It is developed from the actions and goodness that you bring to others.
AMEN Tn MOM!!! Well put!