Family Shares Story Of Abuse; Hopes To Help Others
MINERAL WELLS (CBSDFW.COM) - Very few places feel safe these days for the Crutsinger family. At a park in Mineral Wells, Peggy and Robert Crutsinger say they're healing slowly alongside their two young boys. Both boys were molested by a close family friend.
"As parents it's the hardest thing," says Peggy Crutsinger, as she wipes tears. "To watch your children go through that..."
The family agreed to be identified publicly so they can share their story with other parents in hopes that others might be able to identify warning signs before it's too late.
"We've been waiting for 5 1/2 years and justice is served," says Robert Crutsinger "...and my boys can let it go." The family found justice Tuesday inside the Palo Pinto Courthouse. Their former close friend Timothy Hoskins pleaded guilty to indecency with a child.
Hoskins sexually assaulted the family's two young boys who were only 5 and 9 years old at the time. The Crutsinger's say they dropped the boys off at his house so they could go to the hospital and visit a loved one.
"We trusted our precious angels with somebody that we really thought was a friend that we could trust," says Peggy.
Hoskins was sentenced to 10 years in prison by a District Judge and he was handcuffed in court right in front of Peggy.
"It did not click to me until they actually arrested the man," says Peggy "Then I was like.... It's all ok and I was relieved."
The family says their boys have been scarred emotionally. Nightmares and anxiety are a normal part of their lives now.
"And I look at my two boys they are really happy that that it's over," says Robert. The family says they want to warn other's to be careful about who they trust because innocence lost is irreplaceable.
Hoskins will serve 5 years in jail before he's eligible for parole. His attorney had no comment today and wanted to talk to him before discussing the case with CBS 11 News.
(©2014 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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