The former chaplain at Cook Children's Hospital in Fort Worth has just received a life prison term for the sexual exploitation of children.
Because Michael Dale Downs is 71 years old, the 60-year prison term imposed by a federal judge is effectively a life prison term. Federal sentences don't carry early parole.
Downs is the retired chaplain whose job was to comfort children. But a year ago, a 17-year-old victim told her mother that Downs had not only sexually abused her, but that he had recorded it on an iPad.
The incident was reported to the Department of Homeland Security and Fort Worth Police.
Investigators say Downs' wife cooperated and gave police several electronic devices, and that police found numerous videos of Downs engaging in sexual misconduct with the minor.
“This is an incredibly important case involving shocking and abhorrent conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Simonton. “One of our most veteran prosecutors worked on this matter along with our partners at Homeland Security Investigations and the Fort Worth Police Department to ensure that this defendant was brought to justice. Let this be a message to others who seek to prey on children in this way: We will do everything in our power to incapacitate you by locking you away in prison for as long as possible.”
The charges against Downs do not say he abused children at the hospital.
Cook Children's Hospital issued the following statement Friday afternoon.
"Cook Children’s is committed to acting responsibly on behalf of our patients, families, visitors, and employees. We are appalled, shocked, and deeply saddened by the heinous crimes committed by Michael Downs. Downs was employed by Cook Children’s from November 1997 until February 2022. Throughout this investigation, we have fully cooperated with law enforcement. We are grateful for their impeccable work ensuring he will not be able to hurt another innocent child. We did not find any evidence that Downs was engaged in any wrongdoing or inappropriate behavior with our patients. However, we strongly encourage anyone who may be concerned that their child suffered sexual abuse by Downs or anyone else to immediately contact law enforcement."
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