In November of last year, Ashvegas brought you the news that former Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Artimus Pyle, who now lives in Asheville, was arrested in Florida for failing to register as a sex offender.
That criminal past is apparently still haunting him. This NewJersey.com web site story attests to it.
This story also contains other important information: first, that Pyle has a June hearing on last year’s charge; and second, he’s writing a book about his life’s experience:
Former Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Thomas Delmer “Artimus” Pyle, whose appearance at a Bayonne venue was canceled after the club’s owner learned of a previous child sex guilty plea, has apologized to the club for failing to fully disclose his past.
But Pyle, who now lives in North Carolina, was quick to assert his innocence and said that he’s still trying to get the issue – which has haunted him for 17 years – behind him.
Despite Pyle’s protestations, Arts Factory co-owner Greg Bukshowany said that the cancelation of the June 13 show stands and that he’s booked Brother Peach, an Allman Brothers tribute band, to fill Pyle’s slot.
“I got about 10 calls bashing us for not giving the guy a second chance but we’re not going to change,” Bukshowany said. “I’ve got to go by what’s fact.”
According to information posted on a Florida Department of Corrections Web site, Pyle – initially charged in 1992 – pleaded guilty in December 1993, in Duval County, Fla., to sexual battery by an adult to a victim under 12 and to lewdly fondling, assaulting or simulating sexual acts on a child under 16. He was arrested in November 2007 in St. John’s County, Fla., for failing to register as a sex offender.
In a phone interview, Pyle said that he feels bad for not sharing the information about his past with the Arts Factory but he insists that he’s the victim of “false charges” made by a woman with whom he had two children. “They now live with their mother,” he said.
“I fought (the charges) for two years and went through $400,000 in legal fees,” said Pyle, who’ll turn 60 on July 15. “Then, the week before my trial was to start, my lawyers told me they needed another $100,000 and I had no money left,” he said.
“Just before Thanksgiving 2007, I went to see the governor of Florida to try and have the charges expunged from my record,” Pyle said, only to be charged with failing to register as a sex offender. “They got their 15 minutes of fame,” he said.
He’s scheduled for a June 3 hearing in St. Augustine County, Fla., on the registration charge.
Pyle said he’s writing a book – “Lynyrd Skynyrd: The Blessing and the Curse of Having the Best Seat in the House” – that will detail how he survived a 1977 plane crash that killed three members of the band; and how law enforcement allegedly targeted him for punishment despite the absence of any proof of the accusations made against him.
“I’ve spent 17 years clawing my way back,” said Pyle, who served as a Marine Corps sergeant from 1967 to 1971. “I have never hurt a child in any way in my life; if I had raped a child, would I have played 27 cities on tour in Europe? I’ve never missed a child support payment, I bought a house in Asheville where I pay taxes; I’ve never hidden from the public eye…. I’m innocent.”
7 Comments
He didnt do it. The girls came out years later and said the mum put them up to it.
I don’t know if it’s true or not but I wouldn’t want him near my daughter. He downs Johnny and Rickey-well the whole new band. He’s a asshole from the start. Just because they made it and he can’t because of the charges. Get real 17 years to be paying is a long time but if he did it – he deserves life punishment. If Lynyrd Skynyrd left him in Florida who blames them. I wouldn’t want that reputation in my band. Sorry but facts speak for themselves. If I were innocent no amount of money would be too much to pay. Shit get a real job mother ……. Get a life and leave Skynyrd alone. Move the hell on.
S.A.I.D. stands for Sexual Allegations In Divorce
Sexual Abuse Allegations in Divorce and Custody Disputes ” SAID ”
Child sexual abuse allegations arising during divorce and custody conflicts are complicated and difficult. Most professionals believe that the highest percentage of false allegations occurs in this circumstance, but there is disagreement over just how many of these allegations are false. In evaluating cases of suspected sexual abuse, the professional must remain open and objective, carefully examine each case, and take an empirical stance. Assessment and evaluation must be done with rigorous adherence to the highest standards of the profession, and professionals must attend to the characteristics of real versus false allegations. They must not immediately dismiss an allegation as false because the parents are in the midst of a divorce but must also guard against presuming guilt and aligning themselves with the reporting parent’s agenda.
leslie did you use to live in atlanta? 1979 or so.
Another sleazy,worthless,perverted,overporivleged white male asshole trying to weasel his way out of being a degenerate scumbag fuck him!
Lavern ur an idiot. ur calling this guy names without know what really went on. his ex started accusing him for molesting their kid during their divorce. out of spite. so since he had shitty lawyers that couldnt help prove his innocense he has to pay for it, for the rest of his life. did he really do it? u dont know and i dont know.