MEDFORD, Ore. – A former youth pastor who pleaded guilty to a sex crime against a minor was attacked in court by the father of one of his victims.
Earlier this year, Donald Biggs pleaded guilty to one count of “transport with the intent to commit criminal sexual activity with a minor.” He was in court again Wednesday for sentencing, but it all came to a halt when the dad of a victim lunged across the room.
“Full force, just like Superman, it looked like he flew through the air right into him and just punched him,” witness, Jacob Elkin said.
Medford police were called to the federal courthouse for an alleged assault Wednesday morning.
“Ultimately determined that a witness that was inside the court proceedings during the sentencing hearing… And went over the partition and punched the subject that was being sentenced,” MPD Lieutenant Justin Ivens said.
Court proceedings were immediately halted after the man who threw the punch was quickly taken into custody. Just hours later a GoFundMe page was already set up. Jacob Elkin said he just wanted to help take care of any expenses that may come from his arrest.
“So I just wanted to set something up to kind of relieve some of the tension from it and really get something going for him so that they can hopefully pay all this off,” Elkin said.
Elkin says he’s been personally affected by the trial and says the father’s action was something everyone in the courtroom wanted to do.
“And of course you know, never really a proponent for violence but I felt like in this situation it brought a little bit of relief to all those girls who’ve been in this situation for years,” Elkin said. “For those who have had a hard time with that, I felt like it was a little piece of justice today as harsh as that may sound. It felt good.”
The father was charged with assault 4 and obstructing judicial proceedings. The fundraising goal is $5,000. As of 11:00 a.m. the day after the incident, $4,204 had been raised.
Sentencing for Biggs’ will continue tomorrow at noon. NBC5 news has elected not to name the father, to protect the identity of the victims.
You can visit the GoFundMe page here*: https://www.gofundme.com/hero-punches-child-pedophile
*As with any GoFundMe page, users are asked to use their own discretion in donating.
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