Mt. Carmel man found guilty of sexually abusing girl | Crime

A 48-year-old Mt. Carmel man has been found guilty of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Jay Griggs was accused of molesting an 11-year-old girl at his home in November of 2010.

The Mt. Carmel Register reports that the seven-day bench trial ended with a verdict reached Tuesday in the courtroom of Richland County Circuit Court Judge Larry Dunn.

Griggs could face up to seven years in prison. He’s scheduled to be sentenced March 14, with a pre-sentencing hearing on Feb. 28. Griggs was released on bond, and can continue to work. He isn’t allowed to have contact with the alleged victim or another woman who alleged sexual abuse when she was younger.  Another adult must be present if Griggs is in a room with children.

He is not allowed to make contact with either the alleged victim, or another woman who also alleged sexual abuse when she was younger. Griggs must also be present with another adult if anywhere children might be present.

Wabash County State’s Attorney Cassandra Goldman told the paper she was “very happy for the victims. They had a chance to tell about what happened to them,” said Goldman. “That is very healing for victims in these kinds of cases.”

Defense Attorney Brian Shinkle said that he “respects the verdict of the court.”

Griggs is married and his wife testified on his behalf during the trial.

Judge Dunn indicated additional sexual abuse accusations made by a woman now 21 years old who accused Griggs of a similar crime, also weighed heavily in the judge’s deliberations.  He has not, however, been charged in that case.