Ex-Wharton Prof Was Predator for Decades: Prosecutor
Lawrence Scott Ward got more prison time for sex crimes
Updated 11:01 AM EDT, Wed, Sep 30, 2009
Former Wharton professor Lawrence Scott Ward got more prison time for bringing photos and video of hmself having sex with a boy from Brazil, into the U.S. He's already serving time for a porn trafficking conviction.
Although this case centered around one teen, 16-year old J.D., prosecutors brought evidence to Tuesday's sentencing which they say shows Ward has preyed on boys since the 70s.
Ward used the same tactic with J.D. that worked with other victims -- the millionaire provided the very basic needs, like food and shelter, to poor boys if they'd go along with his requests, according to court documents. At one point when J.D. resisted, Ward "effectively told him he'd disappoint his mother and financial support would be withdrawn from her," Assistant U.S. Attorney Bea Witzleben said after the sentencing.
He preyed on the "most vulnerable of our young citizens," Judge Petrese Tucker said, sentencing Ward to 25 years in prison and ordering him to pay J.D. $100,000 in restitution, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Because the 25 years runs concurrent with the sentence he's already serviing, it amounts to about ten more years behind bars.
Ward and his attorney tried to convince the judge that because Ward agreed to therapy and because of his age, 67, the former Harvard and Penn professor wasn't likely to commit the same crimes again.
"I don't believe I ever realized the depth of my problem and the nature of my disability, Ward said, apologizing to the court.
Prosecutors didn't buy the remorse bit. "I think his conduct speaks louder than words," said Witzleben. Ward was recently moved to solitary confinement she said, after prison officials found pictures of J.D. in his cell.
Copyright Associated Press / NBC Philadelphia
First Published: Sep 30, 2009 8:10 AM EDT
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