Trial delayed for LaPorte man who allegedly prayed for forgiveness after molesting girl

Nov. 06--VALPARAISO -- One day before jury selection was to begin, a delay has been granted in this week's trial of a LaPorte man accused of repeatedly molesting a developmentally delayed girl and then praying for forgiveness when he was done.

The trial involving Brian Eskridge, 43, was delayed at the request of the defense.

Eskridge faces three felony counts of child molesting, each of which carries a potential sentence of 20 to 50 years behind bars.

A Dec. 10 hearing before Porter Superior Court Judge Roger Bradford was scheduled to determine the status of the case.

Eskridge is accused of molesting the girl between Jan. 1, 2005, and Aug. 14, 2010, in Valparaiso.

The girl, who is learning disabled, reportedly told investigators about various sex acts carried out on her by Eskridge. When asked how she knew he was done, the girl said, "he prayed for forgiveness from God," according to court records.

Eskridge admitted to carrying out the sex acts and said he loved the girl, according to police.

"He wished they could be together because they had a connection," according to charging documents.

Eskridge confirmed he would pray afterward for forgiveness, "knowing what he had done was wrong," police said.

"Brian looked at me and told me he couldn't believe he had just told me this and that he thought he would take this secret to his grave," according to police. "He clarified that he is not a pedophile."

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