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Metrocon Posts Statement After Founder's Arrest
posted on by Egan Loo
Florida's Metrocon anime convention has posted an official statement on Friday regarding the arrest of its founder and CEO Roy Harms. The statement acknowledges that Harms was arrested on the charge of "Carnal Intercourse with Unmarried" under Florida Statute 794.05 (unlawful sexual activity with certain minors) on Thursday. Harms was released on a US$1,000 bond that same day. According to a report on the local WTVT-TV station in Tampa Bay, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office says that the incident was alleged to have occurred "three or four years ago," and that the alleged victim is now 20.
Metrocon Director of Operations Alex Craddock says in the convention's official statement, "Roy Harms is our CEO, and a very close friend of mine. I trust him with my life, my dreams, and my 4-year-old child, and so would anyone else that has ever met the man." He continues, "An arrest does not mean a conviction to or admittance of the crime being charged. In this particular situation there is one thing required for an arrest to be made, and that is a claim."
Craddock characterizes the arrest as "an attack on the convention" eight days before the June 19-21 event. Harms has stepped down from his position at the convention, and Craddock will be co-leading operations with Metrocon Head of Security Nick Fazio. Craddock says that "Metrocon is a family event, and it always will be, and should anyone doubt the safety of their children at this event because of an accusation based on a story from years ago that has been twisted to an unidentifiable state, we hope this will dispel their concerns."
