A 50-year-old man was sentenced to life in prison plus 40 years after being convicted on a charge of criminal sexual conduct with a minor who was under the age of 11. According to South Carolina authorities, a welfare check was conducted at the man’s residence in April 2015. While the check was being conducted, a child at the location said that she had been assaulted numerous times.
Authorities also found an iPad that was reportedly used during the assaults. As it was in plain view, it was confiscated and used to help build the case. During the trial that lasted for about a week, a variety of evidence was used to obtain the conviction. In addition to DNA collected, an expert witness testified to explain why the child would have been unlikely to report what happened to her in a timely manner.
The victim herself testified during the trial that the man had made threats against her. Images obtained from the iPad were also displayed at trial and gave even more credence to the claims against the defendant. During sentencing, the judge said that the man had stolen the victim’s childhood and put the girl in her own type of prison for a long time to come.
A person who is charged with sex crimes could face significant consequences including life in prison. Individuals may also be required to register as a sex offender if convicted, which could cause serious challenges attempting to find housing or get a job. An attorney may review a case and create a defense to such charges. Defenses may include pointing to inconsistencies in witness testimony or asserting that police have charged the wrong person. If successful, charges could be dropped or a person could be acquitted at trial.
