IN- Mother accused of bribing son's molester is arrested

6-5-2008 Indiana: VIDEO

TERRE HAUTE, IND. (WTHI) - A woman accused of bribery turned herself in. Donna Mitchell is accused of asking a former principal and teacher for money after she found out he had sex with her son.

Donna turned herself in to Terre Haute Police Monday afternoon in the Vigo County Courthouse. Police say Donna's 14-year-old son had a sexual relationship with John Beaty, 73, of Martinsville, Illinois.

Beaty is a former principal and teacher at Martinsville High School. Police say Mitchell told Beaty she wouldn't tell police about his relationship with her son as long as he gave her $300,000.

News 10 asked Mitchell why she'd requested the money.

"I didn't," she replied.

The victim's grandmother, Linda Roberts said she was there when Mitchell confronted Beaty. She said that her daughter's conversation with the former principal did not really involve money.

Family members say Mitchell only looked to get a confession out of Beaty. Roberts told police she should be the one going to jail.

"I'm the one that told her to let him think his money could buy him out of it. That's the only reason why she let him think he could buy his way out of it," Roberts said.

Roberts said that's not bribery. Nonetheless, detectives say Mithchell did the right thing by turning herself in.

"We're pleased that she decided to turn herself in. Now, the judicial process can begin," said Det. Rick Decker, Terre Haute Police Dept.

Donna's family stands by her side.

"She is innocent, and I'll go to my grave telling you she is innocent. She did what a mother had to do," Roberts said.

News 10 asked Mitchell what she had to say to her son.

"I love my babies," she said.

That love that may cost her years behind bars.

Donna remains in the Vigo County Jail on $50,000 bond, and will be back in court June 23. Meanwhile, Beaty is also locked up in the Vigo County Jail. ..News Source.. by Joe Stoll



Mother of sexual misconduct victim wanted by authorities

6-5-2008 Indiana: VIDEO

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI)- Wednesday, police arrested John Beatty on three counts of sexual misconduct with a minor.

Beatty is a retired principal and teacher at Martinsville High School in Illinois.
Terre Haute police are now looking for the victim's mother.

Donna Mitchell is wanted for bribery. Police say Mitchell asked Beatty for money in return for keeping quiet.

"We are looking for Donna Mitchell right now, we would like donna to turn herself in," Rick Decker of the Terre Haute police said.

If you have any information on the where-abouts of Donna Mitchell, please call CRIME-STOPPERS at 238-STOP. ..news Source.. by Liz Nichols