MEMPHIS, Tenn. — WREG has learned more about the first man who accused a former city director of forcing him into a sexual relationship when he was a minor.
The accuser, now 26, said his off-and-on relationship with Robert Lipscomb lasted 8 years, but the investigation didn’t move into high gear until he called city officials two weeks ago.
The accuser, who now lives in the Seattle area, told us in a phone interview since his first encounter with Lipscomb when he was a teenager, his life has spiraled downward.
“Taking a man’s manhood is like taking a life. You can’t give it back. You can’t replace it. You can’t repay it,” he said.
We’ve agreed to disguise his voice and he won’t reveal his name, but we did investigate his background.
WREG found out he’s been arrested numerous times, mostly for domestic violence and harassment, even against his own family.
“I punched my brother in the mouth for asking me who molested me because my family knew of the molestation and he was making fun of it,” said the accuser.
He admitted to spending time in a mental facility and getting help because he’s bipolar and has anger issues.
“Very often victims do act out because they have felt powerless in so many situations when it came to their perpetrator,” Clinical Psychologist Dr. Charlotte Freeman said.
The accuser said Lipscomb forced him into the first sex act and then gave him $200.
The accuser admitted to WREG after that he sometimes called Lipscomb to meet up.
Dr. Charlotte Freeman said this was not uncommon for young rape victims.
“Sometimes the aggressor, the perpetrator will offer things to you such as they may offer money,” she said. “They may offer someone who says I’ll come and do this for you when you need me to come.”