Six File Claims In Sex Ring Cases

Six people who were charged in Wenatchee-area child sex ring cases have filed claims against local and state agencies seeking $80 million in damages.

All six were arrested and charged with child sexual abuse. Three - unordained minister Robbie Roberson and his wife, Connie, and Honna Sims, a church Sunday school teacher - were acquitted by Douglas County juries.

The others either had charges dropped, or pleaded guilty to lesser charges, in Chelan County. The claims against state child welfare agencies, local police and prosecutors are required before lawsuits can be filed. State and local governments have 60 days to reject the claims.

Attorney Robert Van Siclen of Auburn, who defended Roberson during a December trial, said lawsuits would be filed in U.S. District Court in Spokane for civil rights violations.

Neither Department of Social and Health Services spokeswoman Kathy Spears nor Douglas County Prosecutor Steve Clem immediately returned calls for comment Thursdau.