Dutch snack bar owner accused of sexual abuse of minors found dead in prison
The 57-year-old Dutch snack bar owner accused of sexually abusing eight of his minor employees was found dead in his prison cell on Monday, abruptly halting the criminal proceedings against him, according to Noordhollands Dagblad.
The suspect, identified as De J., had been held at the correctional facility in Nieuwegein since February. It is not yet confirmed whether he died at that location, and the cause of death has not been released.
The case involved allegations that De J. had committed sexual acts against minors, including penetration. The alleged abuse occurred over an eleven-year period starting in 2014. Some victims reported multiple periods of abuse, resulting in a total of 13 charges. Prosecutors had also added charges of possessing and producing child pornography.
“The handling of this case is going differently than we all expected,” the presiding judge told the court at the start of Monday’s session. “This morning, the suspect was found dead in his cell. We have just discussed the situation with the public prosecutor and the defense attorneys.”
Because the official death certificate has not yet been issued, the court announced that the scheduled two-day session will be postponed. “Without the death certificate, we cannot continue this case,” the court stated.
The victims have been informed of De J.’s death ahead of the hearing. Through their lawyer, they expressed a desire to exercise their right to speak at a future session, although the court will determine whether this is legally possible.
