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Sex slave ringleader takes plea

Donald K. Leacock of Ash Fork pleads guilty to four sex-exploitation charges that mean at least 20 years in prison.

By HILLARY DAVIS
Sun Staff Reporter
Wednesday, July 23, 2008

The man accused of running a sexual exploitation ring out of his Ash Fork-area home has accepted a plea deal that guarantees him at least 20 years in prison.

Donald K. Leacock, 52, took the pleas at a court hearing on Tuesday morning, admitting guilt to one count each of sexual exploitation of a minor, child abuse and vulnerable adult abuse. He also pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor. The case wove together a complex series of events that also involve two other named suspects, who have been arrested on separate charges for their alleged involvement, and three known victims.

Leacock previously faced 41 counts in connection with the case, including 27 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, eight counts of sexual conduct with a minor, three counts of child abuse, two counts of threatening and intimidating, and one count of vulnerable adult abuse.

PLEA REFLECTS THREE VICTIMS

Central to the charges were allegations that Leacock offered his teenage bride via the Internet for local sexual liaisons and over the CB radio to passing truckers.

Investigators also said Leacock created, owned or distributed pornographic photos and videos of the girl and other victims, coerced the girl and others into "sex slave" relationships, and forced victims into sexual situations, sometimes with each other.

Leacock, who had known his young wife since she was a small child, traveled to Missouri in 2007 to marry her with her mother's consent. The girl was 15 years old at the time.

The couple moved to Kaibab Estates West, a rural community on the Yavapai-Coconino county line just north of Ash Fork and about an hour west of Flagstaff, in September 2006. They previously lived in the Phoenix area.

The exploitation charges both stem from sexual situations involving the girl when she was 14 and not married to Leacock.

The child and vulnerable adult abuse charges are in connection with the abuse of another 14-year-old girl - a friend of his wife's who had come to live with the Leacocks while her truck-driver mother was on the road - and the orchestrated rape of a mildly mentally retarded woman.

The Coconino County Sheriff's Office first became aware of the case in February, when the wife's friend called for deputy assistance as she moved out of the house following an argument with Leacock.

Gerry Blair, a sheriff's office spokesman, said the investigation continues, and that additional charges may still be filed.

The cases of two other men already charged in connection with the case, 51-year-old Howard S. Leventhal of Ash Fork and 49-year-old Richard J. Rush of Glendale, are pending in the Coconino County Superior Court system.

20 TO 30 YEARS, PLUS LIFETIME PROBATION

Leacock's pleas mean he faces a total state prison time of no less than 20 years and no more than 30 years.

The attempted sexual exploitation charge would, upon his release from prison, sentence Leacock to intensive probation for the remainder of his life. He would be required to register as a sex offender and wear an ankle bracelet monitoring his movements 24 hours per day.

Coconino County Superior Court Judge Mark Moran entered the pleas during a hearing originally intended to be a comprehensive pre-trial conference. Victims sat in the courtroom but did not offer statements.

"We are very pleased with this result," said David Rozema, chief deputy Coconino County attorney, in a statement. "The guilty plea and sentencing range ensure that Mr. Leacock will never have the opportunity to harm other children. Also, the victims will not have to endure the difficulties associated with a lengthy trial."

Leacock was slated to go to trial on Aug. 5.

His sentencing is set for Aug. 28 at 9 a.m. He remains in the Coconino County jail.

Hillary Davis can be reached at 556-2261 or hdavis@azdailysun.com.

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