A mother’s love is precious. But a mother’s love, doubled with courage and quick action can save her children from danger and trauma.
Mayla Hogan, a resident of State Route 89 in Paulden, Yavapai County, Arizona, was awakened at 3 a.m. by her 12-year old daughter last Wednesday, August 17. Lloyd Beard, a 54-year-old level 3 sex offender, had broken into their home and snuck into her daughter’s room. Hogan’s daughter woke up to him touching her face. He also tried to get in bed with the girl.
Hogan tried to tell him to get out. Refusing to leave, the mom took it into her own hands to make him comply. Beard then exposed himself and threatened to “drop” her. Hogan called her 16-year-old son, who was sleeping in another room, for help when Beard attempted to escape. According to Hogan’s son, “If I’m being honest, my mom got a couple, a lot of hits in.”
Police thought that they were responding to a trespassing report, but it turned out to be much more than that. Beard’s struggle with Mama Hogan caused him minor injuries. When the police arrived, they found him on the ground with his pants down.
After being given medical attention, he was transferred to Yavapai County Jail. He was charged with aggravated assault, second-degree burglary, first-degree criminal trespass, indecent exposure, voyeurism, and disorderly conduct.
Beard also has a previous conviction of a sex crime in Colorado.
According to Sheriff David Rhodes, “Violent sexual crimes against children are among the most heinous offenses I can think of. I am always as shocked as all of you at the capacity of these appalling offenders to prey on the vulnerable. These violent criminals must be removed from society, and we will always seek to prosecute them and fight for justice for their victims.”
Arizona statistics report that there are an estimated 14,192 registered sex offenders in the state. At this rate, everyone should be wary, take extra precautions, and report suspicious behavior to the authorities.
“By the grace of God I’m a rough neck, by the grace of God I have good children, and by that same grace of god we will prevail,” said Hogan after the incident.