Reaping What You Sow: What Awaits Disgraced Derek Zitko After a Guilty Plea

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If Derek Zitko, the disgraced former youth pastor, soccer coach, and Army lieutenant colonel, pleads guilty to the charges of child sexual abuse, his future will take a very dark turn. A guilty plea would not only confirm the community’s worst fears about Zitko but also set in motion a series of harsh consequences that will shape the rest of his life. Possible Jail Sentence for Derek Zitko Given the severity of the charges against him — three counts of lewd or lascivious battery and one count of lewd or lascivious molestation involving a minor — Derek Zitko could face a lengthy prison sentence. In Florida, lewd or lascivious battery is a second-degree felony, which carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison per count. The charge of lewd or lascivious molestation involving a minor under 16 years of age is a life felony, which can result in life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. If Zitko pleads guilty or is found guilty, he could potentially face decades behind bars, depending on how the judge decides to run the sentences — either concurrently or consecutively. Prison Conditions for a Convicted Child Molester Life in prison for a convicted child molester is notoriously harsh. Inmates who have been convicted of crimes against children often face brutal treatment from other prisoners. Child molesters are considered the lowest of the low in the inmate hierarchy, and they are frequently subjected to violence, intimidation, and harassment. This harsh treatment stems from the fact that even within the prison system, crimes against children are seen as particularly heinous and unforgivable. Zitko could expect to spend most of his time in protective custody, separated from the general prison population to ensure his safety. However, even protective custody cannot guarantee a completely safe environment. Inmates in protective custody are often kept isolated in their cells for up to 23 hours a day, with limited access to communal areas and activities, leading to severe psychological stress. Moreover, guards may not always be sympathetic or protective, and violence can still occur even under tight security. Impact on Zitko’s Military Career and Pension Zitko’s arrest and potential guilty plea could also have significant ramifications for his military career and benefits. As a retired Army lieutenant colonel, Zitko currently enjoys the benefits of his service, including a pension. However, if he is convicted of a felony, particularly one involving child sexual abuse, the Army may decide to recall him to active duty for the purpose of court-martialing him under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). A court-martial could lead to a dishonorable discharge, which is the military’s most severe punitive discharge. This type of discharge would strip Zitko of all military benefits, including his pension. The loss of his pension would be a significant blow, leaving him without a critical source of income and further compounding the consequences of his crimes. Community and Family Impact The ramifications of a guilty plea extend beyond Zitko himself. His family, including his wife and the children he fostered or adopted, would be forced to deal with the fallout from his actions. The stigma of being associated with a convicted child molester can be incredibly isolating and traumatic, impacting their ability to live normal lives within the community. They may face public backlash, social ostracism, and emotional distress, all of which add to the overall devastation caused by Zitko’s actions. Eye for an Eye, Plus More! A guilty plea from Derek Zitko would confirm the worst suspicions about his character and lead to severe legal and social consequences. His life, once marked by positions of trust and responsibility, would be reduced to one of incarceration, fear, and disgrace. He would likely face a lengthy prison sentence under extremely harsh conditions, and his military career and benefits would almost certainly be forfeited. The community and his family would also suffer from his actions, bearing the burden of his crimes for years to come. Ultimately, the story of Derek Zitko serves as a stark reminder of the severe repercussions that come from betraying the trust placed in individuals who are meant to protect and guide the vulnerable. It also highlights the importance of vigilance and accountability in preventing such tragedies from occurring again in the future.