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This used to be our family blog. We are currently experiencing more pain than we ever thought imaginable. In a few
short days, we lost our reputations, our jobs, our friends, and the respect of our loved ones. We will be forced to move from
our home and uproot our family from the life we knew.
Immediately following our arrest, we were railroaded into the media spotlight, where the story would boost ratings and
stir controversy. This would also serve as an example of where our tax dollars are being spent by the Maricopa County Sheriff's
Department. All things aside, we were amazed by the fact that over 20 fully armed officers were waiting on the scene of the
arrest, while many cases of murder, rape, and child abuse go on unresolved. Regarding the alligations, would like to state
that we were completely unaware of the Craigslist ad placed by Mr. Auker, and had no contact with anyone on craigslist, or
any contact with the undercover officers. Conversely, we were blamed in the media for doing so and our lives have forever
changed. We have never participated in bestiality, and never will. That being said, we do not wish to endure a grueling public
trial for a crime that historically yields a misdemeanor. We have already been tried by the media and wish to move on.
Since our arrest several weeks ago on Feburary 28th, we have been humiliated, degraded, and threatened by posts on the
Internet. We struggle to live with what we feel is a living nightmare. Our quiet life as a couple with three young children
has been forever changed. One thing remains the same. We believe we are good people, and seek to salvage what is left to keep
our family together. We have learned not to judge others, and will never participate in online harassment. We have truly
felt its devastating effects.
If you support the recovery of our family, think before you post or make judgements. We still are optimistic and faithful
that we can overcome this tragic situation with the help of or family, friends, and good souls out there who see our struggle.
We are not a news story. We are a family.
Thank You.
Update: 8/08/12 It has been nearly 6 months since our arrest. Tomorrow we finally
go in before the judge to hopefully end our case and begin our healing. After months of unimaginable loss and repeated media
coverage, we carefully decided to accept a plea, which would allow us to accept a minimal sentence and move on with our lives.
As the months dragged on, our personal lives deteriorated and the media continued worsening our situation. Ending this
as soon as possible, and ending the pain is the priority for our family. We have lost just about everything a person can loose, and know what it is like
to be treated as criminals and experience intense adversity. On May 19th, Sarah was targeted and sexually assaulted by a man
who saw our news story. The link to the story is here:
We share this experience to show how far
hate, and negative media attention can affect a persons life. In her case, she nearly lost her life. With some support and
encouragement, she was able to come forward and report the man. With her information and forensics, they successfully arrested and held this man for her assault, and the assaults of other women. He remains in jail for
over 15 counts of sexual assault and kidnapping. After her assault, MSCO quietly removed our bestiality story from their archives,
and transferred our entire case to pinal county. Without explanation.
We never thought that the threats, degradation, and pain would become what it has. We underestimated the power of
the media and how much ignorant hate can come from the reaction. Contrary to what we had hoped, our situation continued to
get worse as the months progressed and still have not improved. Our attitudes, on the other hand, have evolved, changed, and
adjusted. We are trying to remain positive and "defy the odds". We have experienced an outpouring of support from strangers
around the country...some from around the world. This was also shocking, and very powerful and meaningful experience in our
lives. This has given us hope. As our story has continued to go viral on the internet, we have found this blog post has been
helpful. We hope to use our experience and help others with their own recovery. We accept the challenge of seeing if
something positive can come out of this disaster. So far, a serial rapist is now off the streets. That alone is a success
story. We hope this is a message of hope to someone, that YOU can overcome the worst...you can survive. Our prayers remain
with our children, and for our future as a family.
Thank
you for reading our story.
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