Further proof that there is no rhyme or reason in life, and acts of kindness are not always rewarded...maybe never. I am not one to believe in coincidences, but sometimes you have to wonder. Maybe everything is random afterall. Either way, at least now he will have a huge mansion for all the kids to come and sleep over at. He can continue where Michael Jackson left off, and also get sued for a few million as well.

As far as we know he's not required to pay anything to his "victims" but that's only because they haven't won a lawsuit yet. The statute of limitations on lawsuits is typically 3 years, but for a minor whose parents don't initiate a lawsuit they have 3 years from the time they  turn 18. as BobP notes, the criminal prosecution is a completely different matter.

I put victims in quotes because we don't reallly know what happened. Since the incident happened at a beach he may simply have been seen scratching himself while he was changing in his front seat. As justexploring says, you can get labeled a sex offender for getting caught taking a leak. I don't remember if he got labeled a sex offender (probably not, because it was about 20 years ago), but somebody I once worked with was seen by a couple of kids while taking a leak behind a gas station with an out of order bathroom.He was definitely charged with  indecent exposure and lewd behavior.

Shame on all of you for assuming how bad this guy was after reading the article. Sirbrad, your comments disgust me. Yes, I have didain for these sex offenders on innocent children, but labelling him before you know the facts behind it is simply astounding. You guys need to take a step back and look yourselves in the mirror. Compare him to Michael Jackson.........sheesh!

My goodness Ms. Emily...I would have never assumed your thoughts could become this wicked...hopefully though...you would perform the procedure without anesthesia.

The man I see looking at me in the mirror would first of all, make sure that NO child under any condition whatsoever is harmed emotionally, physically or mentally by any action I commit.

The law has labeled this individual as a "sex offender", not those of us who blindly condemn him. If the truth becomes that he is as innocent as a case that occurred here in GA a few years ago, then I do offer up my apologies. In GA a few years ago, a young man was tried and found guilty of rape. The truth turns out that he was caught having sex with his girl friend by his girl friend's parents. The Girlfriend's parents forced the local DA to charge him with rape because he was 16 (or 17) and she was 15 (or 16, I think GA, consent is 17, not sure). He will have to live the rest of his life with the title of "sex offender".

Perhaps we do not know the facts. But until such is presented, as a "sex offender" as defined and labeled by the Laws of our States and Country, I seriously doubt you will find anyone who will offer up an apology for their opinion. And like noses, we all have one and they all smell.

FDLE records show Cowal is a registered sex offender and has a record of arrests for alleged offenses  - lascivious or indecent assault upon a child, trespass, aggravated assault, driving under the influence, running from law enforcement.

sir metro - i'm with you.

Yup, he is definitely a low life, but the indecent assault was exposing himself and there were adults present.  Obviously we aren't getting the whole story.  I read a report that doesn't show any actual contact. I'm not defending this man and I agree with Sir Metro's attitude. I'd like all of the maggots who harm innocent people exterminated.  Even if this man didn't commit a sex crime, he can just as easily murder a child while driving drunk.  However, he won the lottery fair and square.

On the other hand, there needs to be a change in the sex offender laws. Although in most cases they should be much more severe, there really should be a difference between someone who takes a leak in public, moons a family on the highway, and a monster who rapes a little boy or girl. 

(I just deleted a long story about going parking with my boyfriend when I was 15.  I figure I've taken up enough room here, although it was a night I'll never forget.)

SEX........sell's

we see it in the MEDIA everyday!!!

but........shut-up<<<<<<<<<<

"DON't..GO TO CHURCH "

sit on your asset$$$

"Little People"........

(I just deleted a long story about going parking with my boyfriend when I was 15.  I figure I've taken up enough room here, although it was a night I'll never forget.)

Oops!  That came out wrong.  I'll never forget it because we got stuck in the mud and had to be towed. 

thank you...sister for YOYO own

"TESTICALMOMENT">>>

YOU are NOW a full FLEGE member of DE...............CHURCH of

 what's happens

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What should disgust you is the press who released it, not the opinions responding to it. Regardless of the facts involved, it is nonetheless still a "sex offender." Unless you're saying that is a lie too? Well if it is he will benefit heavily from lawsuits as well, so it is win/win anyway. My opinion is based on the story, and assuming it is true. However I don't know this guy, nor will I ever meet him in real life.

So in reality I really could not care less. What disgusts me is you attitude which is far too serious.

Sorry to ruffle your feathers Brad...like you stated, ASSUMING is the key word here. You know what the word ass-u-me means? I wish every true sex offender would be put away for life and shown real sex offense from the boys in prison once they found out what they were in for. I'm serious because of exactly what happened in GA that was mentioned in this thread. My point is that no one should assume.

Life is about assumptions. I don't care how you want to phrase it, present it, gift wrap it or spin it. Life is nothing more then a series of assumptions.

You go to bed at night and you naturally assume you will get up.

You go out to dinner and you naturally assume the food will be safe to eat.

You drive down the road and within a point of reason, you assume others on the road will obey the laws of the road.

My very job is nothing more then pure assumption. I assume that what I see will fit within the space exactly as how an Engineer designed it. I assume what the Engineer designed well actually function as intended. I assume that the product manufactured will be installed for the monies I estimate.

There are no facts in life, merely pointers to guide us every day in life to aide us in making the best assumption we can. Sure, we can dress it up and call it what you please, but all said and done, it is nothing more then an assumption that perhaps this time, we could just be right. The day we stop making assumptions, shall be the second date one reads upon our epitaph.

Hopefully stories like this will encourage more good and upstanding citizens to buy lottery tickets making the chances of someone with bad and low morales winning less likely.  In addition lotteries could do more to limit the type of people allowed to  buy tickets by requiring a criminal back ground check before taking their money.

Yikes!  I'm not so sure I would want those kinds of restrictions.  I have no criminal record, but why would I want anyone to be keeping track of how many lottery tickets I buy or where or when? Anyone can play the lottery who is over 18.  In Florida many people from other countries buy tickets. Anyone can claim their prize as long as they have the proper documents. I'm sure many illegals or people with criminal records buy them too. I wonder what would happen to the FL lottery if everyone had to register. I bet the jackpots would drop. I don't think people on welfare or who use food stamps should be spending their money on the lottery, but they all want a chance at the same dream, so they often do. These people might shy away from a lottery that checks their spending habits.  More rules, more government, more invasion into our personal lives....not something I'd welcome.