Excerpts from Burkett's and Hurley's court statements

Convicted

sexual offender

Joseph Burkett

"How do you say you are sorry for doing such a horrible crime? I guess it's 'I'm sorry and forgive me.' I'm not sorry because I got caught. Believe it or not, for that I am grateful. I'm sorry for robbing you of your innocence, trust and childhood.

"I'm sure you wonder 'Why, why me?' I wish I had an answer that would satisfy you totally."

I could blame my abuse as a child and my drug habit and alcohol, but I won't. I made a choice. Although there may have been contributing factors, it doesn't excuse what I did."