IF YOU TAKE ANYTHING AWAY FROM THIS BOOK, PLEASE LET it be the courage to win the fight against sexual predators. They succeed through silence and secrets, and we must break the silence, tell on them, and pursue their prosecutions through legal means. I know this is a difficult concept, especially for victims and their families. However, it is the only way that we can take them off the streets and away from children.
I am not saying this lightly. Coming forward and revealing your identity is frightening. Victims have enough to deal with without worrying about public opinion. There is also a fear factor. I know about that. When I first began to write this book, I wasn’t sure how I would tell my story or whether I would reveal my own identity, although I did plan to use the predators’ real names. Otherwise, the book wouldn’t have the same impact. I thought about using a pseudonym in order to protect myself from anyone seeking to retaliate against me for having turned them in to the FBI. In spite of having my identity revealed in the courtroom, I felt that my exposure there was limited to a small group of people who might put more of their focus on the defendants than on me. My only real fear was of the incarcerated predators and their families.
Though I had finally made the decision to put my name on Exposed, I hadn’t quite convinced myself that it was wise, due to safety concerns. Then, on October 23, 2006, Matthew (Tempoteech) Brand’s appeal was discussed in an article in the New York Law Journal and the Court’s decision was published in the same paper three days later. My name was revealed several times throughout both publications. To my knowledge, it was the first time that my name was printed in connection with one of the many sexual predator cases I had been involved with during the past four years. Having my name revealed at the same time that my book was about to go to print was a sign to me. I don’t believe in coincidences, so I felt that I was doing the right thing, not only by revealing who I am, but more importantly, what I do and why I do it. It is my mission to let as many people as I can know about my story and understand the importance of coming forward, not only as concerned citizens, but also those who have been victimized by sexual predators. It is only by raising our voices in unison as loud as we can that we will stop allowing the predators to go free. This is the example that we must set for our children. Speak up and speak out! Never keep the secrets of those who hurt us. Never think that the secret protects us, because it doesn’t. It haunts us and eats away at us and it protects the predator. Be brave and be strong and let your voice be heard. You are not alone.