Evaluation Ordered in ‘Big Brother’ Molestation Case

Michael Blanchard, the Burbank “Big Brother” who earlier this year pleaded guilty to sexually abusing three San Fernando Valley boys on 33 occasions over at least six years, was ordered to undergo a 90-day psychological examination at Chino State Prison before he is sentenced.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Victor Person, who warned all parties at Tuesday’s hearing not to speculate on the sentence, said the examination is necessary to consider a probationary sentence for Blanchard, 35, who faces up to six years in prison.

“In Mr. Blanchard’s case, there is no dispute over his guilt,” Person said. What remains to be decided is the appropriate sentence, he said, adding that, despite rumors circulating at his Pasadena courtroom, a light punishment has not been determined.

“At least he’ll be in jail another 90 days,” said Burbank Police Det. Craig Ratliff, who helped investigate the case.

Although Blanchard was originally charged with 33 felony counts of oral copulation with boys under age 16, his attorney succeeded in having 20 counts dropped, citing a statute of limitations that prevents charges more than 3 years old from being introduced in court.

Blanchard was arrested in February after investigators said he had abused his position with Big Brothers of Greater Los Angeles to gain access to at least three boys. Blanchard pleaded guilty to tying two boys to his bed while he was caring for them, blindfolding them, and sexually molesting them.

At least two videotapes made by Blanchard and showing him committing sex acts on the boys were entered into evidence, said Det. Matt Miranda, the Burbank Police Department’s lead sexual assault investigator.

Three doctors, two Burbank police officers and parents of two of the victims testified during Blanchard’s sentencing hearing, which began four months ago.

Victor Sherman, Blanchard’s attorney, said he was happy with Person’s decision to send Blanchard to Chino for evaluation by the state Department of Corrections.

Sherman has repeatedly argued for Blanchard to be sent to a private treatment facility and given “stringent probation conditions.” This sentence, instead of a prison sentence, “better serves, better protects society,” Sherman said.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Amy Suehiro, who prosecuted the case, said only a prison sentence would give Blanchard the punishment he deserves.

“He hurt a lot of people and deserves prison time,” she said.

The mother of one of the boys, who has attended most of the sentencing hearings, expressed confusion and despair about the duration of the proceedings.

“I don’t know what to think anymore,” she said. “I’m angry.”