iShotNews:

iShotNews:
Severe Weather

°

Homepage / Detroit Local News
Text Size

Autopsy: Prosecutor Accused In Sex Sting Hung Himself From Shower

POSTED: Friday, October 5, 2007
UPDATED: 5:14 pm EDT October 8, 2007

Autopsy results said a federal prosecutor accused of flying to Michigan to have sex with a 5-year-old girl committed suicide in prison by hanging himself from a shower head with a bed sheet on Friday morning.

The Washtenaw County medical examiner said they found no other injuries or diseases that would have caused the death of Assistant U.S. Attorney John D.R. Atchison, of Gulf Breeze, Fla.

Atchison, 53, was put on suicide watch after he used a bed sheet in an attempted suicide in September.

Atchison had been communicating with an undercover sheriff's detective from Macomb County, Mich., who was posing online as the fictitious girl's mother and arranged for him to have sex with the child, police said.

He was arrested carrying presents for her, including a doll and earrings, and sexual materials, officials said.

Atchison was a married father of three and a respected figure who coached girls' softball and basketball in a park a few blocks from his home in this well-to-do beach community.

"There were no red flags. He was normal. He went to work at the courthouse Monday through Friday. It's not like he carried dolls to the ballpark," said police Lt. Rick Hawthorne, who knew Atchison for more than 10 years and coached softball.

In the community that once applauded Atchison for his dedication to youth sports, people now worry that the assistant U.S. attorney might have held other secrets. But authorities have so far found no cases of child molestation in Florida involving Atchison.

The Pensacola mayor has tried to reassure parents and other residents alarmed by Atchison's arrest. "There was nothing involving local children and there should be no implication that there is," he said.

As a federal prosecutor, Atchison mostly worked on tax and financial crime cases. According to court records, it appears he never prosecuted child sex abuse cases.

Atchison's attorney, James C. Thomas, released a statement Friday: “We are deeply saddened to learn the death of John Roy Atchison. Our heartfelt regrets go out to his wife and children, his parents and his brothers and sisters. This is a man who has done a lot of good in his life. Unfortunately, he is going to be judged by his most recent charges and what we have read in the media, and not by the goodness, hard work or by the love of his family. I expect to be filing a Suggestion of Death and will request the federal judge to dismiss the case once I receive the necessary documents.”

Atchison was charged with three felonies, the most serious of which is crossing state lines with intent to have sex with someone younger than 12. Conviction carries a minimum 30-year prison sentence and a maximum of life.

Text Size

Hot Topics

Vote For The Best Winter Guide
Watch Big Ten Basketball
Links We Like
Sponsored Content
Embellish an empty abode with these easy, inexpensive projects and make your home feel more like home. More

If you have aspirations of becoming a millionaire, check out these five habits that may be worth emulating. More

Negotiating a price on a new or used car is never fun. Find out from the insiders how to get the best price for you. More

Don't resign yourself to dry, dull, lifeless skin. Rediscover that healthy youthful glow with these tips. More

Hot Shots!

Send snow storm photos and videos from your phone or digital camera directly to the Local 4 Newsroom.
  • UPLOAD: Submit To iShotNews
    SLIDESHOW: Wild Weather Photos
    VIDEO: iShotNews Viewer Videos


    Have a great Hot Shot of your family having fun in the Michigan snow? Send it to Local 4 and ClickOnDetroit! IMAGES: Faces Of Fun In Michigan Snow More


    Show us your Hot Shots of the coolest ice sculptures at the Plymouth Ice Festival! More
    Hot Shots: Plymouth Ice Festival

    Sponsored Links

    On Local 4

    Stories Worth Waking Up For
    Local 4 News Morning begins at 4:30 a.m. to update you on the latest storm conditions on the Severe Weather Alert Day.

    Local 4's Carmen Harlan and Dr. Frank McGeorge bring you the real story, firsthand, as they lived it.

    Morning Home Delivery From Click On Detroit and Local 4 News

    Most Popular

    Question Of The Day

    What is the best part of a snow storm?