Child abuse problem huge, says ADA
By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
HOULTON — A 12-year prison sentence for sexual assault is being appealed by Kirk Gould, 42, of Sherman after his conviction and sentencing for systematically abusing a child living in his home. Torrey Sylvester has been representing Gould as his attorney in the criminal case.
Gould was convicted of two counts of gross sexual assault, July 23 following a two-day trial. He was sentenced by Justice E. Allen Hunter, August 26 who set post-conviction bail at $200,000 single surety or $50,000 cash with conditions that he have no contact with the victim or her family, no contact with children under the age of 18 years and comply with a Maine Pre-Trial Services Contract.
The trial hinged significantly on the testimony of the victim. Rebecca Miller, a victim/witness advocate, says “she is an exceptional young woman who found the courage to face her abuser with truth and dignity.”
Patrick Gordon, assistant district attorney for Aroostook County, says Gould began the abuse when the girl was 11 years old and continued until she was nearly 17. Gordon says the victim “is a brave young lady who testified at trial.” And, Gordon says Gould had recorded a confession “admitting to a lot of what he had done.”
Gould “was a sexually-enhanced abuser” due to prescribed medications he took, says Gordon. And, he added, the child was the only one in the trailer where they lived who slept on a bed without a frame so that others could not hear the abuse.
The problem of child abuse, says Gordon “is off the charts. It’s a huge problem in Aroostook County.” He said people are afraid to come forward. In this case the victim, says Gordon, bore the weight of the wellbeing of her family who moved in with Gould. She feared no one would believe her if she reported it and the family would end up with no place to live.
