What started as a simple wish to provide a better future for the kids has unfolded into an unbelievable situation; I find myself caught in as a meek bystander and yet bearing the full brunt. My name is Deepa, and I have two kids, my boy just turned 18, and my daughter is 13.

In 2018 I got my first insight into being on the other side of the law. My husband got arrested for possession and distribution of child pornography. It was as though my life was shattered in that one moment. I bailed him out, not knowing what else to do. The following months were filled with my husband’s wrath, abusive and violent behavior towards the kids and me. He denied any wrongdoing, leaving me very confused. He, however, did lose his job. He was adamant about getting a lawyer and fighting the supposed allegations, which cost us all of our savings.

In 2020 a new allegation surfaced against my husband. This time of having molested a neighbor’s child. On being interviewed by the authorities, my daughter, who was only 11 then, revealed that her father was sexually exploiting her. That was just the most devastated I have ever been. It left me shattered and heartbroken over what my daughter had to endure.

He has been in jail for over a year and only this week has been convicted of rape of a minor and will be sentenced shortly.

None of us will ever get over this trauma, but before I could even think about healing and nurturing my child, I was thrust with the overbearing task of fending for the kids and myself. I have no family or support here, and the path I have been put on is very dark and lonely. Some people empathize with our situation, and some have disconnected from us.

I have come some distance, trying to work two jobs, selling what I could to keep us going. But I am now up against a wall. The courts are not giving me a definitive resolution, I am unable to get a divorce, the house is not in my name, and I am saddled with the debt my husband put on the cards he had opened in my name.

Both the kids are physically, socially and psychologically impacted by this situation. I got his living expenses covered for a year for my son, who goes to college this year, but I still have to cover the tuition. My daughter is with me and is being counseled by state-provided help. I cannot spend the time needed to be with her as she goes through this traumatic period. I am working two jobs, but I am not making any progress toward improving our situation.

Though every day is a struggle, I am trying. I seek your help to see me through the most challenging phase I have been blindsided into. Between the two jobs, I can cover my expenses, but I need to urgently sever ties with the man that has caused us so much harm and whom we fear. I have to establish my own identity, take custody of the kids and get the home secured in our name. With this in place, I will be able to build on getting the kids settled and safe.

I need help with getting an Attorney to get a divorce and have the house allotted to me, so I am secured with a roof over our heads.

With much inhibition, I ask for your contribution. I am seeking about $50,000 to get myself back up on my feet. I will keep track of every contributed dollar and have that information available to see how far the help is taking me. I will forever be indebted to you.

Sincerely,

Deepa

Case No. 19-CR-41-RSL (W.D. Wash. Mar. 10, 2020)

Click HERE for the link for Deepa's husband’s federal case

SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY

State of Washington vs. MURUGANANANDAM ARUMUGAM

Case # 20-1-07914-2 SEA