FYI … Dr. Melvin Morse, known for his books about NDEs in children, has been convicted on one count of felony reckless endangerment. The case has attracted attention not only because Morse is a well-known writer, but also because he was alleged to have "waterboarded" his girlfriend's daughter by holding her head under a stream of water.
According to the Associated Press:
Morse was charged with three felonies — two for alleged waterboarding and one for alleged suffocation by hand. He was convicted of one felony — waterboarding in the bathtub — and five misdemeanors. Jurors reduced the second waterboarding charge to a misdemeanor and acquitted Morse of the suffocation charge.
Morse showed no reaction as the verdict was read. He was ordered to surrender his passport and will remain out on bail until his sentencing, set for April 11.
Morse faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, but a lesser punishment is likely under state sentencing guidelines. Each misdemeanor carries a maximum of one year in prison but typically results in probation. The felony reckless endangerment conviction for waterboarding carries a maximum of five years in prison but a presumptive sentence of 15 months.
Prosecutor Melanie Withers said she was "very gratified" by the verdict, and that she was on her way to speak with the victim, now 12 years old.
Morse declined to comment and referred questions to his attorneys.
"He maintains his innocence to this day," said attorney John Brady.
Morse's lead defense attorney, Joseph Hurley, said he planned to appeal.
It's a sad situation.