Attorney General Beau Biden is ending criminal prosecution against former Lewes pediatrician Earl Bradley.
Biden says he will not pursue Bradley’s remaining indictment to spare the young victims and family members who would be required to take the stand in front of Bradley.
Bradley’s previous conviction for rape and abuse of children was based on videotape evidence and did not require victim testimony. The conviction resulted in multiple life sentences without the possibility for parole. That is the maximum punishment under Delaware Law.
Biden says the decision to end the Bradley prosecution now is consisted with his goals of making sure Bradley will remain behind bars permanently and that victims would not have to testify.
“Because Bradley has already received the maximum punishment available under the law – multiple life sentences without the possibility of probation – we have decided that ending the remaining case by withdrawing the indictment is in the best interest of the victims and their families,” said Biden in a statement.
The second indictment was based on victim interviews with authorities at the state's Child Advocacy Center. Biden says pursuing that case at trial would require victims and their parents to take the stand and testify.
Biden adds he met with victims' families last week to explain his decision and the case and that his office will continue to assist in providing those victims and their families the support and services they need.