WASHINGTON — A 61-year-old Maryland man was sentenced Friday to prison for the sexual abuse of his relative in 2015. The girl was only 15 years old at the time the abuse occurred.
Gary Bellinger is set to spend the next 10 and a half years in prison for the abuse he inflicted, followed by three years of supervised release. After being released, Bellinger will be required to register as a sex offender for life.
Investigators say Bellinger was found guilty of one count of first-degree child sexual abuse and one count of second-degree child sexual abuse on May 28. This verdict was made after a four day trial in D.C.
According to the evidence and testimony presented at trial, in 2015, Bellinger sexually abused a female relative who was 15 years old at the time. The victim first disclosed to family members in 2020.
Here are some resources for anyone dealing with similar abuse:
Washington, D.C.
Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA)
Phone: (202) 671-4400- Investigates child abuse and neglect.
DC Child Abuse Hotline
Phone: 1-877-942-8243- For reporting suspected child abuse.
Maryland
Maryland Child Abuse Hotline
Phone: 1-800-332-6347- Reports child abuse and neglect.
Montgomery County Child Welfare Services
Phone: (240) 777-4417- Provides child protection services.
Virginia
Virginia Child Protective Services
Phone: (804) 726-7000- For reporting child abuse.
The Child Advocacy Center
Phone: (757) 318-8315- Offers support and services for abused children.
General Resource
- National Child Abuse Hotline
Phone: 1-800-422-4453- Provides crisis intervention and resources.
These hotlines are the best points of contact for immediate support and assistance for children dealing with abuse.
