Medford, Ore. — A former employee of America’s Best Kids, Blaine Howitt, pleaded not guilty to 27 criminal charges during a court appearance on Friday. Howitt, who was arrested on June 23, stands accused of taking unauthorized photographs of female staff members in a staff changing room.
The charges against Howitt are severe and include counts ranging from encouraging child sex abuse to invasion of personal privacy and computer crimes. The accusations have shocked the local community and led to strong reactions from families, witnesses, and those who were affected by his alleged actions.
During the court hearing, Howitt showed no visible emotion as he entered the courtroom and made his plea. According to Andrea Majano, a family member of one of the victims, Howitt seemed indifferent to the presence of those who had gathered to attend the hearing. “He had no emotion on his face. He walked in, saw everybody that he knew there. We filled up the entire court and he had no emotion,” Majano said.
The Deputy District Attorney’s office had requested an increase in Howitt’s bail, proposing a figure of $500,000. However, the judge ruled that the bail would remain at $250,000. This decision disappointed many in the courtroom, especially those who had hoped for a higher bail amount given the gravity of the charges. “I understand the system is the way it is, but his bail should have been a lot higher,” Majano added.
Howitt’s arrest has prompted widespread concern and frustration in the Medford area, with many questioning the safety of individuals in positions of trust, particularly in environments involving children and young people. The case continues to develop, and community members are closely following the legal proceedings, hoping for justice for the victims affected by these disturbing allegations.
As the case moves forward, the court will determine whether Howitt will stand trial for the crimes he is accused of committing. In the meantime, the investigation into his actions continues to unfold.