Gilbert man accused of child molestation, prostitution

By Nathan Gonzalez - Jun. 24, 2010 04:13 PM
The Arizona Republic

A Gilbert man faces molestation and prostitution charges for allegedly bribing his teenaged victim with gifts in exchange for sex, according to police.

William Flanagan, 41, was arrested and booked into the Maricopa County 4th Avenue jail on several counts of sexual conduct with a minor, child molestation and child prostitution, according to Gilbert police.

Police began their investigation after the 16-year-old victim told a friend of her two-year sexual relationship with Flanagan in a home on the 2500 block of East Del Rio Court, said Sgt. Mark Marino, a police spokesman. That friend then notified police.

"If somebody discloses this type of information to someone, it's paramount that law enforcement be contacted with it," Marino said.

In an interview with police Wednesday, the victim stated Flanagan had molested her multiple times over two years, with the last incident occurring about three weeks ago, Marino said.

"On some occasions he would offer gifts or other types of items in exchange for sex," Marino said. "It's unfortunate, but that's the reality of the situation."

There are two other children living in the home, but none appear to be victims, police said. Children Protective Services was notified and is investigating the case, although the other children were not removed from the home.

Flanagan was arrested at Gilbert police headquarters without incident.

From: http://www.azcentral.com/community/gilbert/articles/2010/06/24/20100624gilbert-arrest-child-molestation.html