Couple Cleared in Sex Case Win Custody of Son

Robert and Lois Bentz, a Jordan, Minn., couple acquitted in September of sex abuse charges, regained custody of one of their three sons Friday and said they hope to start putting their lives back together.

The Bentzes were among 24 Scott County adults arrested in connection with an alleged child sexual abuse ring. One adult pleaded guilty to criminal sexual abuse charges and is awaiting sentencing. Charges against 21 other adults were dropped.

The couple, the only adults to go on trial in the case, regained custody of their eldest son, Marlin, 14, Friday. Their two other sons, aged 6 and 10, remain in a foster home. Custody of the two children is expected to be decided next week.

The three Bentz children have been in foster homes since their parents were charged a year ago.

Marlin was not alleged to have been abused but the other two boys were. During his parents’ trial, Marlin denied his parents had abused his brothers.

Robert Bentz said he was “very bitter” about the whole experience.

“That is what we have been saying all along--that the children were badgered by investigators,” he said.

The couple filed a $100-million lawsuit against the county and several county officials in November.