Criminal Defense Associates Successfully Defends Accused Child Molester in Jackson-Like Case

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif.March 2, 2005--Criminal Defense Associates (CDA) has announced the latest in a series of successful case results. The Woodland Hills-based national law firm, renowned for its unique approach to criminal justice, was recently successful in securing the acquittal of Blake Chattaway, 41, a Lancaster, Calif., school teacher. The Highland High School science teacher was accused of 21 felony and misdemeanor counts, including lewd acts with a child, inappropriately touching and annoying female students, and using sexually charged language. The incidents involved 15 girls at Palmdale and Highland high schools in the 2002-03 and 2003-04 school years.

While two charges were dismissed prior to deliberation, the jury in the Antelope Valley Courthouse courtroom took half a day to return a verdict of "not guilty" on all remaining counts.

CDA Defense Attorney Angelyn Gates, who secured the verdict, acknowledged the Chattaway case has surprising similarities to the current high-profile molestation case involving Michael Jackson, saying, "Both Jackson and Chattaway believe that touching minors is appropriate in certain ways, and both admit to touching young people -- but deny a sexual connotation." Gates also noted: "Our society sometimes assumes that men cannot touch children for innocent reasons. Fortunately for Mr. Chattaway, our jury agreed with him. We will see what the Jackson jury thinks of Michael's actions."

During the trial, fellow teachers testified on behalf of Chattaway, introducing evidence that challenged the credibility of the accusers, again bearing a striking similarity to the Jackson case where the defense is questioning the veracity of the young accuser's story as well as those of his parents.

About Criminal Defense Associates
Criminal Defense Associates is the "brainchild" of a group of highly skilled state and federal defense attorneys. Their combined experience in criminal law, specifically in sexually-based and violent offenses, makes the firm one of the most capable criminal law firms in the country on matters involving child molestation.