The second day of testimony has concluded in the child molestation trial of a 21-year-old former YMCA day care worker.
Seven people testified today, including three children Heinen is charged with molesting or trying to molest, and the parents of two of the children.
Before releasing the jurors, Judge Steven Marquart reminded them not to discuss the case with anyone and to keep an open mind.
"You’ve only heard half the evidence," Marquart said.
After the jury left, prosecutors told the judge they expect to call four more witnesses and conclude their case Tuesday. Defense attorneys said they expect to call 10 witnesses and two character witnesses.
There’s not a doubt in my mind that Jaetten is innocent. I feel so awful; these girls are ruining his life.
There is no way that Jatten has done this. We went to school together and were in speech together. He is the type of person that could not even harm a fly. I am praying for Jatten and his family.
I have no doubt that he is GUILTY!! These girls are too young to be sexually attracted to him. Their stories are all to close as well! Everyone has a darker side and his is very dark! Don’t be fooled!!
You are entitled to your opinion, but again, in a court of law, you are presumed innocent until proven otherwise. Not my rule, its called, “due process”. Furthermore, if you had accurate knowledge of the trial, accusations, and the parties involved, you would realize that never has it been said that the accusers were ” sexually attracted” to the defendant. A crush was the term used in court. Also all the accusers are friends, and their stories have all changed multiple times during the entire process. Let the facts come out in court before you appoint yourself judge and jury. Also, “anonymous” only has two n’s.
I worked at the same YMCA this took place in. I was there for two years and left just months before Heinen started. I never met him but I can tell you these girls are NOT too young to have “crushes” or sexual attraction to the other sex. There were a couple of other male leaders working there when I was working at that site and there were girls ranging from 7-10 with crushes on them.
More than three decades ago I was in a catholic school with nuns and the whole nine yards. As a young person from 6 yrs and up, we all knew how to lie, stretch the truth, we talked about sex and made some pretty racy remarks. Not to mention a lot of colorful language which carried on into adulthood. Not intended to brag, just make a point, that kids, all kids have the ability to do way much more than we give them credit for. I agree with the Former school age leader.
John,
I have been part of the trial, I have been there! And really are you so petty to have to pick on someone for a spelling errors? This trail is to bring justice!!! And the facts will come out and they will show guilt.
But, really, to pick on someone for spelling, you are scared that your truth will be the one to fail!
This guy needs to punished for his wrong doings and the jury will see it. I am with “Annonymous” on his/her thoughts!
John,
I have been part of the trial, I have been there! And really are you so petty to have to pick on someone for a spelling errors? This trail is to bring justice!!! And the facts will come out and they will show guilt.
But, really, to pick on someone for spelling, you are scared that your truth will be the one to fail!
This guy needs to punished for his wrong doings and the jury will see it. I am with “Annonymous” on his/her thoughts!
I totally agree with annonymous (spelled incorrectly or not). This guy needs to be punished and I hope the jury realizes that. I rembember being a girl 6 yrs old and NEVER did we come up with such things. Thinking of boys in such a way was the furthest thing from our minds. They all had cooties!
Agree or Disagree, time will tell.
Mel, you must feel pretty close to the source, it’s intersting to me how the media portrays the situations that are set fourth. That’s what I feel you are looking at, and only that. Even reading this blog, things are very different than the articles put out, and the news puts out there. I just hope that the true story gets out there, and soon for Jatten’s sake. I hope that these little girls, who I firmly believe have crushes at that age, I know I sure did, understand what really happens when they hollar “wolf” and it’s not the truth. I feel very badly for the girls, I really do.
As for what the “former catholic schools” person had stated, I couldn’t agree more, as a former Catholic School Student myself.
Prayers going out to Jatten and his family, as always! Keep going strong, with your heads held high!
Breath Mel….breath
It’s trial, not trail Mel. Right now he is innocent. Let the process decide his fate, not your opinion.
John-
On 8/28 you said “The allegations are false.” and “Once…the case is dismissed.” It’s ok for you to have an opinion, but not Mel? So how about instead of picking on people for spelling and their opinions, you take your own advice and just wait for the court system to figure it out.
John,
Once again, you are sad! I added that nice little “error” to see if you were really that petty!! You proved me right!
Katie,
Yes, I am close. I have been there from the beginning of this terrible situation. I am not just a person that is just reading the paper and making judgment. I do feel he is guilty. I also have sorrow over this entire situation. His family is in just as much pain and sorrow that the rest of them are.
I believe that everyone has the right to feel the way they do. But for some people, being petty about spelling errors is beyond what this about.
Being on opposite sides, we are going to disagree. But lets try and keep the petty stuff out of it!
then take your own advice and let it go Mel
petty? you seem to be makin a big deal out of it, drop and move on the issues mel
nice try john we know you left both of those last comments
Jatten Heinen is guilty. my little sister was one of the girls he sexually abused. some of you have said you grew up going to catholic school, and i would just like to point out that if at 6 years old you could lie and talk about sex, then you obvioulsy went to a very messed up catholic school, or you were very messed up yourself. (which would explain why you think this sick man is innocent.) Also, My sister is not a liar. She would never make up something to hurt another person, nor would she do it to get attention. She was a good girl, & i know with everything inside me- he did that to her. Now she has to deal with it the rest of her life.. Shes not a whole person anymore & he stole something from her she cant get back. Jatten Heinen Destroyed my baby sister. And Everyone of you who can justify his actions in your mind & defend him- you might as well have molested her yourselves.