The Public Prosecution Service (OM) demands 6 years of imprisonment, TBS with compulsory treatment, and a contact ban against a 60-year-old man from Amersfoort. The man is suspected of having committed sexual abuse against his minor foster child and nephew for years. He is also accused of having sexually exploited his foster child, having made him addicted to drugs, and being in possession of a large amount of child pornography. “No punishment compensates for the injustice done to the victims.”
The story begins in 2014, when an 11-year-old boy comes into contact with the then 49-year-old suspect through an online game. In 2016, the first physical meetings follow, during which multiple instances of abuse occur between the victim and the suspect. Because things are not going well at home for the victim and his parents trust the suspect, it is decided to place the victim as a foster child with the suspect.
Report
In 2024, a report suddenly comes in about the victim and his foster father. The victim, now 20 years old, regularly ends up in the hospital due to severe drug use. This prompts the police to investigate the victim and his relationship with his foster father. The investigation confirms that the suspect not only has sex with his foster child but also brings him to and from sexual appointments and coordinates his GHB use. This investigation also reveals the involvement of two other men: the suspects housemate and friend.
Unexpected Statement
In August 2024, the file is supplemented with a statement from an unexpected source: the suspects nephew files a report. According to his statement, his uncle has touched him multiple times since he was 14 during homework tutoring. He also claims that sexual contact occurred during that time. The suspect denies this, but admits to having given his nephew massages.
Arrest
In September of that year, the three suspects are arrested. During the police interrogation, the now 60-year-old suspect admits to having had sexual contact with his foster child and managing his GHB use. This statement is supported by conversations with the victim, surveillance footage from the friend’s residence, chat messages between the suspect, his friend, and the victim, and information from involved care professionals. A large amount of child pornography is also found in the suspects possession.
Lost Years
The prosecutor is clear about the seriousness of the facts. “What punishment is appropriate for the lost years, the removal from his parents, and the broken mind and body of the foster child?” the prosecutor begins today in court. “And what punishment is appropriate for the feeling of betrayal of trust from the nephew and the family of the suspect?” According to the prosecutor, the suspect has deprived the victims of their health and sexual development at a very young age. “The suspect has mainly thought of himself and his sexual pleasure.”
Sentence Demand
In determining the sentence demand, the OM takes into account that the suspect has been declared partially unaccountable after psychological evaluation. The OM demands a prison sentence of 6 years against the 60-year-old suspect. The time the suspect has spent in pre-trial detention will be deducted from this. The OM also demands TBS with compulsory treatment. Additionally, if it is up to the OM, the suspect should not be allowed to contact both victims for five years.
Other Suspects
From the suspects housemate, the OM cannot establish that he played an active or criminally passive role in the abuse of the foster child, who lived in his house, or in supplying drugs. Although the OM has doubts about the fact that this suspect was able to look away, the OM requests acquittal for the 55-year-old man from Amersfoort. The role of the 61-year-old suspect from Huizen, on the other hand, is significant and extends beyond the foster child. Since this suspect is currently hospitalized, his involvement in this case cannot be addressed today. His hearing will take place at a later date.
