I had to get someone to listen

Yesterday, the Clarion Ledger ran the first of 2 stories about my journey to justice for the child sexual abuse victims of John Langworthy, those who came forward there to the police in August 2011. We are grateful that these victims have had their chance at justice. There may be others that he has harmed but have not come forward yet. 

Langworthy is now a lifetime registered sex offender. That does not mean that anyone should get complacent. He is not in jail. He still poses a threat to kids. As of today, he still is working as a licensed pharmacy tech at Medicap Pharmacy in Clinton, Mississippi. Our Jackson SNAP leader addressed the Board with our concerns months ago at a board meeting. He was told then by a board member that if there was a conviction, the board would take action. I wrote to the Mississippi Pharmacy Board inquiring about the status of his license since his conviction of a felony. I received this reply.

Ms. Smith,

According to Section 73-21-97, paragraph (1), (c), (i), of the Mississippi Code of 1972, “the Board may refuse to issue or renew, or may suspend, reprimand, revoke or restrict the license, registration or permit of any person after being found guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction of a felony”.

Wyatt Smith

Acting Director of Compliance

Mississippi Board of Pharmacy

I replied asking if Langworthy’s license would be revoked. He stated that decision would be made by the Board.

We urge anyone who may have seen, suspected, or suffered child sex crimes by Langworthy, whether in Texas or Mississippi, or in other states while on choir trips, to please come forward and contact the police and help protect kids today.

Part one: Amy Smith’s persistence brings justice in John Langworthy abuse case

Part two: Justice quest begins with phone call, ends with conviction

The light of truth and knowledge is our greatest tool to protect kids.

Protect the vulnerable. Heal the wounded. Prevent the abuse.

Special thanks to Ruth Ingram at the Clarion Ledger who did just that.

I received an email from a lady from Mississippi in response to the Clarion Ledger coverage who is a survivor of child sexual abuse. She writes:

Reading Langworthy’s story has brought back so many of the painful feelings and memories I’ve experienced related to my own abuse at the hands of my grandfather. For whatever reason, I just really wanted to write you and let you know a little about me.

Reading about your parents turning against you broke my heart for you. It’s so hard to be brave. Please just know that you have probably prevented many others from being harmed, and your efforts have not been in vain. I pray that your parents will have their hearts softened, and their eyes opened to the truth.

Again, I want to say thank you for standing up for victims and for taking a hard, brave stand against evil. The pain never really completely goes away, and healing is a process. I’m always surprised when something triggers the sadness. Reading this story surely did, but that’s okay. The cycle of abuse can only be broken when the truth is told.

Update: Langworthy loses pharmacy tech license