Child rape saga now headed to civil court

Girl was impregnated by stepfather; he was killed by her mom

By SCOTT DAUGHERTY, Staff Writer

Published 08/31/08

A 15-year-old girl told county police in 2003 she was being raped by her stepfather and that he repeatedly photographed and videotaped the molestation.

About the same time, her step aunt told the Department of Social Services that the same man molested her as a child and that she feared for the girl's safety.

But lawyers say no one believed them until the girl's mother - Laura Ann Rogers of Laurel - found a video of the abuse 11 months later and killed Walter Rogers in his bed.

The girl - who was seven months pregnant with her stepfather's baby before the truth came out - now is suing the county Police...

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Absolutely Tragic - September 3, 2008

Every one failed this girl, the police, social services and yes, her family. Although the mother put an end to it, she did not follow up on the signs. If a kid is being abused, they act different than before the abuse, how could she have not known. Even after being told by the aunt, whose should have fought for the girl, she could have applied for custody. Instead they all allowed this man to abuse, rape, demoralize and destroy this poor young girl for years. Shame on all of you.

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Debbie F. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Bad

Investigators - September 2, 2008

How many women were on the investigative teams? I think these investigative teams should better reflect the general population instead of the select group that favors abusers.

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S. Abbott - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Terrible

Child Abuser's Run Free - September 2, 2008

My son was a victim of child abuse in Anne Arundle County by his own grandfather. His case was mis-handled by some of the same detectives. Due to his age his testimony was not admissable in the state of Maryland. Even though he knew facts that no child should have any know.Anne Arundle needs to re-invent how it handles child abuse cases. This poor lady and her daughter were failed by the system, as well as my son. She was left with no alternative. As humans we need to ask ourselves how much could you take before you take the law into your own hands.The person that molested my son still walks free , what would you do? SR Naptown

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Seth Roberts - Frederick, MD - Karma: Bad