
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, October 5, 1995                   TAG: 9510050044
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: RICHARD FOSTER
DATELINE: BEDFORD                                LENGTH: Short

MAN GETS 8 YEARS FOR MOLESTING BOYS

A former church camp counselor was sentenced to eight years in prison Tuesday for molesting two boys last summer.

Jamie Byers, 24, of Alexandria had faced a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and up to $200,000 in fines.

In handing down the sentence, Bedford County Circuit Judge William Sweeney upheld the recommendations of the jury that found Byers guilty in July.

"I was very pleased with the court's decision to uphold the jury's sentence," Commonwealth's Attorney Randy Krantz said. "I hope it sends a message that the citizens of Bedford County are not going to tolerate the sexual abuse of children."

The boys testified that Byers, who was a paid counselor at the Royal Ambassadors camp at Peaks of Otter, undressed in front of them and asked them to take off their clothes "to enjoy God's nature."

One boy said Byers blindfolded him, removed the boy's clothing and rubbed the boy's genitals and buttocks. The other boy said Byers rubbed his buttocks, too.

Because of the incident, the camp, which is sponsored by the Virginia Baptist Board, now does an extensive background check on counselors.

by CNB