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October 19, 2007
Repeat Sex Offender Sentenced To Life In Prison
Topics: News
TAMPA - A 54-year-old convicted sex offender who authorities say tried to persuade another sex offender to help him find a young girl to pose for sexually explicit photographs was sentenced to life in prison this morning in federal court.
Samuel Matthews
Samuel Darryl Matthews was convicted in August of attempting to induce a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction and "using materials that had been mailed, shipped, and transported in interstate and foreign commerce by any means."
When Matthews was arrested in May, court documents state, he had asked a neighbor in a St. Petersburg mobile home park to help him find a young "flat-chested" girl he could photograph. The mobile home park is home to scores of registered sex offenders, including Matthews. He has been convicted twice.
Matthews' neighbor alerted authorities and then cooperated in an investigation, allowing detectives to tape conversations between him and Matthews, according to court documents. The neighbor told Matthews he had found a woman who would let him take pictures of her 11-year-old daughter, court documents state.
At the time, Matthews was on federal probation for a 1999 case in which he pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography and was sentenced to three years and a month in federal prison and three years of probation.
In June 2000, Matthews' attorney filed a motion saying he thought Matthews was mentally retarded and that Matthews claimed he had attended a special-needs school. At the defense's request, a court-appointed psychiatrist examined Matthews and determined he was competent to stand trial, records state.
According to records, Matthews also was convicted in state court in 1984 of sexual battery of a person younger than 12. It was not clear what his sentence was.
Reporter Elaine Silvestrini can be reached at (813) 259-7837 or esilvestrini@tampatrib.com.
Reader Comments
Posted by ( Mimi ) on October 19, 2007 at 9:25 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
ugh! he needs to stay in prison! that's all i gotta say!
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Posted by ( JASON_B ) on October 19, 2007 at 10:23 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Thats a shame now we have to foot the bill for this sicko until he dies....lucky us...the only good thing is he cant do this to another child
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Posted by ( lola ) on October 19, 2007 at 10:35 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
There should definately be a strike system for sex offenders. This guy got too many chances before this. It's not the best use of tax dollars but I don't mind paying taxes to keep this loser off the streets and away from children.
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Posted by ( lstgrps ) on October 19, 2007 at 10:44 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I like a 3 strikes you are out type of law for sex offenders.
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Posted by ( JASON_B ) on October 19, 2007 at 10:57 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I agree its a shame we as tax payers have to pay for all these losers to live.As well as all the other people living in prison for life because they dont know how to act.I know its not the most PC way to think but is just keeps getting worse and worse...maybe if people start realizing they will be put to death if they keep it up maybe all this horrible stuff will stop.
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Posted by ( BduB ) on October 19, 2007 at 10:58 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
CASTRATION!!! These habitual offenders need to be taught a lesson. What better way than to take their "tools" away from them. And women, a high-tech chastity belt for you repeat offenders.
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Posted by ( snarf ) on October 19, 2007 at 10:58 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
A tattoo on the forehead after the first offense that reads:
“CHILD MOLESTER”
They are not allowed to cover it up in any way or they go back to prison!
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Posted by ( alightsey ) on October 19, 2007 at 11:03 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Forget prison!I want my tax $$. I say cut his testicles off and let him bleed to death!
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Posted by ( JASON_B ) on October 19, 2007 at 11:08 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Yes castration would be good but its not always sex these molesters do alot more than just that and if they had no "tool" they would find something else.....they are sick and dont need to be a burden on this earth anymore.This is for all these people living in prison forever....private companies are building super max prisons to make lots of money!!!!!!! So sad
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Posted by ( Bobo ) on October 19, 2007 at 11:09 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Geeeeeeeeees I can't afford this anymore. What is the purpose of this guy sitting in jail. He can be rehabilitated, and now he is a drain on society. A bullet cost a few pennies.
To bad the majority of people don't see it the way I do.
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Posted by admin at October 19, 2007 11:17 AM
