A neighborhood, near 32nd Street and Greenway Road, is shocked when a man, who molested dozens of children over a 10-year period, is caught by Phoenix police in 2002.
It was Oct. 15, 2002, when a woman entered a room and found the babysitter, then 48-year-old Lauran Scott Ferguson, sitting nude in a recliner with two naked boys on his lap.
Police also found, "a blow-up sex doll and many children’s toys, movies, and games."
Police went to his home and, in addition to dozens of pictures of children, they found "sexual aides, photos of Ferguson using the sex aides, and diapers." Police also found, "a blow-up sex doll and many children’s toys, movies, and games."
He worked as a babysitter out of his apartment and was greatly trusted by his neighbors as they would leave their children with him for extended periods of time.
After news reports of his arrest, 27 others came forward telling stories of how Ferguson molested them over a 10-year period. Most of the children were 7-12-years old. In one instance a pre-teen girl was tied to the bed as Ferguson fondled her.
Prosecutors said, "He lured children of both genders into his apartment with games, candy and the offer of friendship."
One neighbor told ABC15 at the time, "we thought that guy was just being friendly because he took them to Castles and Coasters, gave them money, bought them a lot of things. At least now we know why."
Ferguson said he exercised 'poor judgment' with the boys who were on his lap. He said he never sought counseling because he didn't think he had a problem. He would usually fondle the children when they were sleeping and "since none of them knew what was going on it did not hurt them."
In 2003, Ferguson pleaded guilty to child molestation, attempted child molestation and sexual conduct with a minor. He was given a 63-year sentence and remains in prison today.