Previously convicted on two counts of aggravated assault of a child under the age of fifteen and four counts of sexual molestation of a child, former Association of Reformed Baptist Churches of America (ARBCA) pastor Thomas Chantry was facing another trial on nine felony counts – four counts of sexual molestation of a child, four counts of aggravated assault, and one count of child abuse.
A trial date was to be scheduled at a Court hearing on December 2, 2019, but this past week Assistant Attorney General Blaine D. Gadow, the Prosecuting Attorney, filed a “Motion to Dismiss Without Prejudice.” In the motion (see below) Gadow stated, in a nutshell, that after consultation with the victim, based on the cost of another trial and the fact that Thomas Chantry has already been sentenced to 24 years in prison, a dismissal of the case would best serve the interests of justice and the victim.
Yesterday, November 19, 2019, Judge Napper so ordered it. Case dismissed!
I am disappointed. I would be the first to admit I am a novice when it comes to the legal system, but I struggle to understand this action by Assistant Attorney General Blaine D. Gadow. In my opinion, this is a victory for convicted child molester Thomas Chantry and it will have a chilling effect on future victim’s willingness to fight for justice through the court system.
I assume former ARBCA Pastor Thomas Chantry will be moved to new digs under the care of the Arizona Department of Corrections in time for the Holidays. He had been in the Yavapai County Jail for easy transport to and from court until this case was concluded.
P1300CR201801308 – 11-13-20… by Todd Wilhelm on Scribd
P1300CR201801308 – 11-19-2… by Todd Wilhelm on Scribd
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