Posted 12:40 am Wednesday, March 16, 2011
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Accused Man Could Face More Charges In California
By KELLY GOOCH
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
A Jacksonville man could face additional charges from California after he was arrested for allegedly abusing a girl.
John David Mullins, 57, was arrested Friday at his residence on Beaumont Street, where he lives with his wife and grandson. He was charged with prohibited sexual conduct with a descendent or ancestor by blood or adoption, a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison. As of Tuesday, he remained in the Cherokee County Jail on a $200,000 bond, according to jail records.
Jacksonville Police Det-ective James Oden said the Special Weapons and Tactics Team executed the arrest warrant on Mullins' residence because they had information that the house had numerous fire-arms.
Mullins, who moved from California to Jacksonville in August 2010, also made comments about using the weapons, and authorities worried about him being a danger to himself or others, Oden said.
During the raid, police collected computers, hard drives and other items.
Oden said police became aware of the alleged abuse when the now 18-year-old woman spoke out.
He said the inappropriate contact began when she was about 6 years old and continued until January this year.
The abuse was "basically manipulative and coerced because of years of training," he said.
"She's dating a young man (now) who got her to confirm his beliefs. Somebody finally gave her the courage to come forward."
Oden said police would have charged Mullins with continuous sexual abuse of a child, a first-degree felony, but they were unable to because the accused moved to Texas when she was considered an adult.
California authorities, who helped Oden by interviewing people there, can review his case report and decide whether they want to pursue charges.
Meanwhile, Oden continues to follow up on leads to ensure there are no other possible victims in Texas.
"We are trying to make sure that's not something that's happened that we haven't found out about," he said.
Cherokee County District Attorney Elmer Beckworth said his office could get the case later this week and will work with California authorities if they decide to pursue charges.
