An investigation has been launched into a former police officer’s horrifying confession in court that he has molested between 200 and 300 young girls.
Paul Blair, 60, was jailed for 25 years after pleading no contest to counts of abusing two girls aged between 12 and 18.
But Blair shocked the court in Putnam County, Florida, by claiming he had preyed on many more victims and admitted he had been a paedophile his entire life.
He did not portray himself as a police officer in the known assaults, but it was unclear whether he abused his position as an ex-Florida lawman in any of the other alleged attacks.
‘You have wrecked and ruined quite a few lives, even more than I think anyone realised,’ said Circuit Judge Patti Christensen.
The judge said Blair was suffering from a deadly illness and has declined an operation that could save his life.
‘Because he does have a sickness that possibly will not let him spend out his entire sentence, that has been taken into consideration by the state and their recommendation that he has accepted is for 25 years in prison for each of the two counts. That’s what I will abide by,’ said the judge.
During the emotionally charged court proceedings, four victims read statements about the abuse they suffered from Blair.
‘You are a monster in my eyes. This is the kind of damage that can’t be undone,’ said one victim, whose name was withheld.
‘What you did was really sick and wrong. You deserve what you get,’ she added.
Another victim called Blair a ‘cruel, miserable excuse for a human being.’
Blair made no attempt to excuse his actions.
‘I’m the adult in this situation and I take full responsibility for what I’ve done,’ he said.
Shannon Peters, a spokeswoman for the Florida State Attorney, said investigators are looking into other possible offences involving Blair.
She said that despite his confession, evidence would have to be unearthed to bring more charges.
‘That confession alone isn’t proof,’ she told ABC News. ‘Victims have to get matched up to that confession,’ she added.
