November 15, 2011

The Honorable Ronald G. Waters, Chairman

Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus

328 Irvis Office Building

Harrisburg, PA 17120

Dear Chairman Waters:

As I have watched and read, with disgust and utter disbelief, the horrific multiple allegations of child molestation against a former state employee, I could not help but wonder where our system went so terribly wrong! I am sure many of you read, as I have, the Grand Jury's presentment. I have observed from this that on several occasions, adults in positions within various governmental institutions, departments, and agencies seemingly failed these children, if not legally, certainly morally.

From various news accounts, I have gathered that the target of the accused perpetrator was those within his foundation, The Second Mile.  A cursory web search of this organization will show you this is a foundation which targeted low income, underserved children from across the Commonwealth.  These children are already vulnerable and in many instances, defenseless. Our Caucus was founded on providing a legislative platform to ensure the voices of these children are always heard, protected, and defended.

I am requesting that we continue in this historical role and insert our leadership into this discussion.  We must call for an immediate establishment of a bipartisan, bicameral Special Legislative Committee that is given full authority, including subpoena powers, to investigate and examine this critical situation, including a comprehensive review of our reporting requirements and procedures in both government agencies and in our institutions of higher learning.  This committee would be tasked with identifying the flaws in our system that triggered these failures and would prepare recommendations regarding methods to correct these flaws to prevent this from occurring in the future.  

We must stand and demand these things, not just today, but every day, until justice has been served and we must make sure something like this will never happen again.  The time is now and we must be swift, intelligent, and forceful in our demands.

Thanks for your immediate action and positive response to this request.  I am available to assist with this effort in whatever role you deem appropriate.

Sincerely,

Jake Wheatley, Jr.

State Representative

19th Legislative District