A man was found guilty of sexual abuse in the first degree after subjecting a child to inappropriate contact for two years.
Lawrence Lewis, Jr. was originally accused of and pleaded guilty to second-degree sexual abuse against a female over the age of 12. He entered the plea shortly before his trial was to start last fall, but the plea was set aside after the district attorney’s office learned that the abuse began when the child was 7 years old.
Lewis returned to court to face the first degree felony charge this week. The trial started and rested Tuesday.
The victim, now 18, was the key witness for the prosecution.
“It’s been a long ordeal for her family. She had to carry that for the last 10 years of her life,” said Assistant District Attorney Josh Wilson, who prosecuted the case. “She has finally found justice.”
The jury returned the guilty verdict Wednesday morning. Wilson said he was pleased with the outcome and hearing the verdict was an emotional experience for the victim.
“I just applaud her strength and courage to get up and testify about a number of incidents that she endured. It really says a lot about her character,” he said.
District Attorney Tom Anderson applauded all those involved in the prosecution. “I would like to commend Josh for his efforts, the victim for her bravery and fortitude in seeing that justice is served and Det. Terry Miles of the Troy Police Department and the Pike County Department of Human Resources for their thorough investigation of this matter.”
Judge Thomas Head will sentence Lewis May 29.