Since I posted this series earlier today, there has been a heavy response to it. Many people have now seen this story and have commented on the blog, as well as spoken to me personally. Some have even spoken to the victim who was named in the series. Her name in the series in Ruth Esther Copley, but her married name now is Ruth Burger.
She has been getting inquiries as to how her case is going due to her quick mention of the non-status in the Unfinished Justice post. Rather than answering each person individually, she has elected to post a letter she wrote to the Indiana Governor, Mitch Daniels in April 2012, detailing her case, inquiring of him to step in and do the right thing. You will see, in the text of the letter that I have copied here, the legal shenanigans that have been going on behind the scenes.
This will put her case in perspective for everyone and maybe for Governor Mitch Daniels, who has not responded at all.
Thank you,
I. C.
She has been getting inquiries as to how her case is going due to her quick mention of the non-status in the Unfinished Justice post. Rather than answering each person individually, she has elected to post a letter she wrote to the Indiana Governor, Mitch Daniels in April 2012, detailing her case, inquiring of him to step in and do the right thing. You will see, in the text of the letter that I have copied here, the legal shenanigans that have been going on behind the scenes.
This will put her case in perspective for everyone and maybe for Governor Mitch Daniels, who has not responded at all.
Thank you,
I. C.
*****
Ruth Burger
[Address Redacted]
[Email Address Redacted]
[Phone Number Redacted]
10 April 2012
Dear Governor Mitch Daniels,
My name is Ruth Burger. I am a former Indiana resident and an Army Veteran of the Iraq War. In March 2004, I was admitted to Community North Hospital for suicide prevention. During my week-long stay, I informed the mental health staff of sexual abuse committed against me by my father. I also reported minors living within the home. In September of the same year, I was re-admitted for a two-week stay at Community North. While there, I once again relayed my story of physical and sexual abuse.
After moving to Colorado in 2006, I suffered yet another mental health relapse. Cedar Springs accepted me into their mental health facility for a week-long stay.
During my hospitalization, I once again shared my history. This time, Cedar Springs mental health professionals contacted the Indiana Hamilton County Police and filed an official report on my behalf.
Upon release from Cedar Springs, I was instructed to participate in a video interview for Hamilton County. House of Hope conducted the interview and forwarded the information back to Hamilton County Police.
I was never again contacted by Hamilton County and simply assumed my statute of limitations had run out.
In January 2012, I was informed my statute of limitations had not expired; I have until I am thirty/thirty-one to press charges. I immediately contacted Detective Lana Howard of the Hamilton PD and informed her I was interested in pursuing my case.
Detective Howard forwarded my information and details of my case to the District Attorney. In mid-February 2012, she informed me the District Attorney has not only refused to prosecute, but has refused to further investigate my case. She also informed me in August 2011, they [the police] destroyed my evidence and interview(s) due to “lack of interest.” She said the investigation she conducted in 2006 included my video interview and an interview with each of my younger siblings. It was these interviews that were destroyed by the Carmel Police. To my knowledge, no one else has been questioned personally, including my older siblings, my mother, or me.
I have contacted the Indiana Coalition of Sexual Abuse. ICSA is currently advocating on my behalf. Nearly four weeks ago, I asked permission to speak with the District Attorney personally so I may hear his thoughts and express my concerns. My request has been blatantly ignored. ICSA has also requested to speak with the Hamilton District Attorney. As of today, none of her emails or phone calls has been returned.
Governor Daniels, gross negligence has occurred regarding the reporting, investigation, and handling of evidence in my case. I am appalled that Indiana would move to destroy evidence and interviews before the statute of limitations passed. It is distressing to know that my right to justice has been so severely stymied from the day I first sought help. It is completely unacceptable that Community North mental health counselors, doctors, nurses and other professionals fully abdicated their legal obligations to file and further protect other minors from my perpetrator.
I feel Indiana has handled my case with carelessness, neglect, and disrespect. Is this the message Indiana wants to pass on to every woman who finds the strength and courage to speak out about their abuse? Why would Indiana destroy evidence prior to the statute of limitations being passed? Is this how Indiana routinely handles sexual abuse cases? How can Community North get away with gross negligence regarding the handling and obligatory reporting of sexual abuse with full knowledge of minors still living within the home? How many more patients have passed through Community North with unreported abuse?
Please encourage the Hamilton County District Attorney to re-open and conduct a thorough investigation into my claims. Because my perpetrator has moved himself into a position of authority as a religious leader and counselor within Indiana, I strongly urge you to take action on my part. He is a danger to society, a danger to the community, and a danger to every child he comes into contact with.
I eagerly look forward and expect to hear from you in the immediate future.
Sincerely,
Ruth Burger
[Address Redacted]
[Email Address Redacted]
[Phone Number Redacted]
10 April 2012
Dear Governor Mitch Daniels,
My name is Ruth Burger. I am a former Indiana resident and an Army Veteran of the Iraq War. In March 2004, I was admitted to Community North Hospital for suicide prevention. During my week-long stay, I informed the mental health staff of sexual abuse committed against me by my father. I also reported minors living within the home. In September of the same year, I was re-admitted for a two-week stay at Community North. While there, I once again relayed my story of physical and sexual abuse.
After moving to Colorado in 2006, I suffered yet another mental health relapse. Cedar Springs accepted me into their mental health facility for a week-long stay.
During my hospitalization, I once again shared my history. This time, Cedar Springs mental health professionals contacted the Indiana Hamilton County Police and filed an official report on my behalf.
Upon release from Cedar Springs, I was instructed to participate in a video interview for Hamilton County. House of Hope conducted the interview and forwarded the information back to Hamilton County Police.
I was never again contacted by Hamilton County and simply assumed my statute of limitations had run out.
In January 2012, I was informed my statute of limitations had not expired; I have until I am thirty/thirty-one to press charges. I immediately contacted Detective Lana Howard of the Hamilton PD and informed her I was interested in pursuing my case.
Detective Howard forwarded my information and details of my case to the District Attorney. In mid-February 2012, she informed me the District Attorney has not only refused to prosecute, but has refused to further investigate my case. She also informed me in August 2011, they [the police] destroyed my evidence and interview(s) due to “lack of interest.” She said the investigation she conducted in 2006 included my video interview and an interview with each of my younger siblings. It was these interviews that were destroyed by the Carmel Police. To my knowledge, no one else has been questioned personally, including my older siblings, my mother, or me.
I have contacted the Indiana Coalition of Sexual Abuse. ICSA is currently advocating on my behalf. Nearly four weeks ago, I asked permission to speak with the District Attorney personally so I may hear his thoughts and express my concerns. My request has been blatantly ignored. ICSA has also requested to speak with the Hamilton District Attorney. As of today, none of her emails or phone calls has been returned.
Governor Daniels, gross negligence has occurred regarding the reporting, investigation, and handling of evidence in my case. I am appalled that Indiana would move to destroy evidence and interviews before the statute of limitations passed. It is distressing to know that my right to justice has been so severely stymied from the day I first sought help. It is completely unacceptable that Community North mental health counselors, doctors, nurses and other professionals fully abdicated their legal obligations to file and further protect other minors from my perpetrator.
I feel Indiana has handled my case with carelessness, neglect, and disrespect. Is this the message Indiana wants to pass on to every woman who finds the strength and courage to speak out about their abuse? Why would Indiana destroy evidence prior to the statute of limitations being passed? Is this how Indiana routinely handles sexual abuse cases? How can Community North get away with gross negligence regarding the handling and obligatory reporting of sexual abuse with full knowledge of minors still living within the home? How many more patients have passed through Community North with unreported abuse?
Please encourage the Hamilton County District Attorney to re-open and conduct a thorough investigation into my claims. Because my perpetrator has moved himself into a position of authority as a religious leader and counselor within Indiana, I strongly urge you to take action on my part. He is a danger to society, a danger to the community, and a danger to every child he comes into contact with.
I eagerly look forward and expect to hear from you in the immediate future.
Sincerely,
Ruth Burger
