Florida GOP Police Blotter UPDATE: Federal prosecutor commits suicide

About three weeks ago, Blast Off! reported the story of Pensacola federal prosecutor John David R. Atchison, who was arrested and charged with traveling from Florida to Detroit to have sex with a 5-year-old girl.

Today comes news that Atchison hanged himself this morning in a federal prison in Michigan.

Atchison, 53, of Pensacola, Fla., was put on suicide watch after he used a bed sheet in an attempted suicide in September.

Detroit police confirmed Atchison's suicide death at 10:14 a.m. Friday. They have not released any details.

[...]

Atchison's attorney, James C. Thomas, released a statement Friday: “We are deeply saddened to learn the death of John Roy Atchison. Our heartfelt regrets go out to his wife and children, his parents and his brothers and sisters. This is a man who has done a lot of good in his life. Unfortunately, he is going to be judged by his most recent charges and what we have read in the media, and not by the goodness, hard work or by the love of his family. I expect to be filing a Suggestion of Death and will request the federal judge to dismiss the case once I receive the necessary documents.”

Atchison was charged with three felonies, the most serious of which is crossing state lines with intent to have sex with someone under 12. Conviction carries a minimum 30-year prison sentence and a maximum of life.

I guess he took the easy way out ...

(h/t Eschaton commenter Roadmaster)

Florida GOP Police Blotter #6: Federal prosecutor in Pensacola likes 'em young

Well, here's a grotesque addition to the Florida GOP Police Blotter that I almost missed:

A U.S. Justice Department official has been arrested on suspicion of traveling to Detroit over the weekend to have sex with a minor.

John David R. Atchison, 53, an assistant U.S. attorney from the northern district of Florida, was arraigned in U.S. District Court in Detroit Monday afternoon.

Prosecutors said Atchison flew from Pensacola, Fla., to Detroit on Sunday intending to have sex with a 5-year-old girl.

[snip]

According to authorities, Atchison made contact with a detective working undercover for the Macomb County Sheriff's department's.

The detective, acting as the child's mother, allegedly arranged a sexual encounter between Atchison and her 5-year-old daughter, police said.

In deposition, detectives said Atchison suggested the mother tell her daughter that "you found her a sweet boyfriend who will bring her presents."

The undercover detective expressed concern about physical injury to the 5-year-old girl as a result of the sexual activity. Detectives said Atchison responded, " I am always gentle and loving; not to worry, no damage ever, no rough stuff ever. I only like it soft and nice."

The undercover detective asked how Atchison can be certain of no injury. He responded, Just gotta go slow and very easy. I've done it plenty," according to detectives.

Let's see ... live boy/dead girl, and this is a live girl ... so, like David Vitter, I guess Atchison will get a standing ovation when he returns to work, right?

And what's Atchison wearing in his mugshot? A bullet-proof vest, perhaps? Interesting ...

UPDATE (5:31 pm 10/5/07): Atchison committed suicide in prison on October 5.