Seattle minister, former foster parent pleads guilty to child rape
SEATTLE -- A minister and former foster parent accused of sexually abusing at least 10 young boys pleaded guilty Thursday to a number of charges, including child rape.
Timothy L. Dampier, 39, pleaded guilty to a total of 22 counts involving ten victims between the ages of nine and 17 years old, according to prosecutors.
Dampier had been involved in a number of Seattle-area youth programs at the Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, New Hope Baptist Church, Ruth Dykeman Children's Center, Ruther Child Center, Samuel House, Union Gospel Mission and Seattle Parks and Recreation. He also works as a minister at several Seattle churches, detectives said.
The allegations of abuse came to light after Dampier was hired as a musician at the Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in the city's Central District in April 2011. Prosecutors say he committed the crimes between 1997 and 2011.
Detectives said Dampier had been investigated for inappropriate sexual contact with children at least four different times in the past, but because witnesses did not wish to cooperate with investigators, he was never charged.
Dampier initially denied the charges, but on Thursday he pleaded guilty to first and second degree rape of a child. He also pleaded guilty to first, second, and third degree child molestation, sexual exploitation of a minor, possession of child pornography and communication with a minor for immoral purposes.
Prosecutors will recommend a sentence of 22 years in prison when Dampier is sentenced on October 12.
Timothy L. Dampier, 39, pleaded guilty to a total of 22 counts involving ten victims between the ages of nine and 17 years old, according to prosecutors.
Dampier had been involved in a number of Seattle-area youth programs at the Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, New Hope Baptist Church, Ruth Dykeman Children's Center, Ruther Child Center, Samuel House, Union Gospel Mission and Seattle Parks and Recreation. He also works as a minister at several Seattle churches, detectives said.
The allegations of abuse came to light after Dampier was hired as a musician at the Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in the city's Central District in April 2011. Prosecutors say he committed the crimes between 1997 and 2011.
Detectives said Dampier had been investigated for inappropriate sexual contact with children at least four different times in the past, but because witnesses did not wish to cooperate with investigators, he was never charged.
Dampier initially denied the charges, but on Thursday he pleaded guilty to first and second degree rape of a child. He also pleaded guilty to first, second, and third degree child molestation, sexual exploitation of a minor, possession of child pornography and communication with a minor for immoral purposes.
Prosecutors will recommend a sentence of 22 years in prison when Dampier is sentenced on October 12.
Obviously it is very sad when a trusted person in the community abuses that. They are held to a higher level of accountability and rightly so. Punish and purge, but don't blame their faith.
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Saying that, how often does KOMO publish stories about the good done by ANY clergy?
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We all fall short due to sin. How about instead of endless HOMO news and Christian witch hunts, you publish some stories about true persons of faith, that make a difference? EVERY DAY?
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Could that be possible ?
Finally, some justice for some victims out there.
Persons in positions of authority with access to kids...keep an eye on them and your kids, and never assume that you can trust someone based upon their occupation alone.
It's a shame that he got away with this for so long just because his victims wouldn't cooperate with previous investigations. I hope he gets the maximum sentence. There should be a special place in hell for those who take away the innocence of children and use the church to draw in their victims.
where is James Bible?
I'm not disagreeing that he deserves the worst sentence possible, but I find it interesting that just a few days ago, Randy Reed, a Buckley city councilmember, pleaded guilty to taking "indecent liberties" with two teenagers and also to raping the 7 year old daughter of a family friend. Adding insult to injury, his son then offered to pay the mother $200 a month until the girl turned 18 in order to cover it up. The father is being sentenced to 11 years and will have most of his sentence suspended. That means he will likely only stay in jail for 12 MONTHS. The son got 6 months for attempted bribery. Does anyone else find the contrast startling? They're both pedophiles, and both used their position of trust to abuse children. Why is one going to jail for 22 years and another for 12 months? Is it because of race? Appearance? Are we less frightened of an overweight white guy with a beard than we are of a black man with dreadlocks? Is it because Dampier raped boys instead of girls? Do we not value our girl children as much as our boys? I didn't see anyone calling for castration of Reed. I think it's important that we look at how society reacts to various crimes. It says something about us as a whole. And I don't mean this to be inflammatory, just as a gentle push towards introspection.
 @Crispinseattle Don't forget lawyer...maybe Dampier had a public defender?  I like the idea of castration actually, maybe a complete whack job would be in order.  Â
@Crispinseattle Paedophiles come in all colors and I have 0 tolerance for them. I think they should be sentenced to death or life without parole.
He and all like him should be castrated as part of their prison sentence. Then put away for life. In the prison general population.
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 @hot talk chop it off?  i might be wrong coz i haven't been to church for a while...
I pray he gets the full 22 year sentence and never makes it out. Personally I would like to see the death penalty here, and I am not a fan of the D.P.
A 22 year sentence is an insult to the victims and thier families. This monster should be executed.
You all have been warned about the false prophets. Â
@BestBondEver! False prophets have made billions in His name
I hope he gets the full 22 years, and that is no where close to enough. Put him in with the general population, no special offender housing, there is nothing special about a low life who uses his faith to get access to and hide his abuse of children. I will omit the rest of my thoughts on the subject as KOMO would likely delete them.
Yet another travesty in the name of "God".............
Another devil hiding behind the guise of the church. When will people get a clue?