Pervert Receives Support from Victim's Mother to Continue Relationship with Victim

Aric Gurnack is a 33 year old man from Twinsburg, Ohio. He has been sentenced to a year in jail for second-degree criminal sexual act, a felony count. He plans to continue his relationship with the teenage girl. Apparently, the victim's mother has his blessing. In fact, she has teamed up with Gurnack's lawyer to attempt to alter an order of protection so that the victim could visit while Gurnack serves out his term.

Gurnack met the victim on an internet game site and began courting when she was 13. They corresponded for over a year before he travelled to Madison County (where he is now incarcerated). He would visit on weekends, giving her gifts like stuffed animals and jewelry. Gernack would often take her to his hotel room.

The mother apparently has no problem with a man this age pursuing her child. In fact, she supports it! She has informed the judge that her daughter and Gurnack will continue to communicate through the mail and that the two will pursue a relationship when this girl turns 17 in 2008.

Assistant DA Mellissa Stearns told the judge she was unable to fully prosecute Gurnack because both the victim and her mother were unwilling to cooperate with the district attorney's office. However, Stearns requested an order of protection for the victim that would permit phone calls and letters between Gurnack and the teenage girl.

Gurnack's lawyer, Thomas Ryan, aided with the victim's mother further requested jail visits that would be supervised by the victim's mother. The judge denied this request, shaking his head.

Source:
"Abuser, teen victim plan a relationship"Kathy Coffta Sims
http://www.syracuse.com/poststandard/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-7/118068861894170.xml&coll=1