I would like to make a comment on the mentioning of my name in your follow-up story on April 12 regarding the Karl Ward abuse story. I did not come forward with my story. You called me. The story I told has never been a secret, I had told my friends and family on the night that it happened. What really bothers me is you state that I was abused. I was not. I was propositioned. I was a senior in high school and I was 18 years old, your article fails to mention that. Because I was 18 (a legal adult), what Karl did in my story was not illegal, just a very creepy and inappropriate encounter and the last time I ever spoke with him in person.
Karl abused his power in the community to prey on young men or boys. It is unforgivable. I am very happy that someone has finally called him out and the school district is in the process of removing his name from a place where he did more harm than good. The Martin family has my deepest sympathy.
Herb Gulliford