MERCER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – After a three-day trial, Donald White was found guilty by a Mercer County jury on Thursday, October 5, 2023, of 2 counts of sexual abuse by a custodian, 1 count of sexual assault first-degree, 1 count of sexual abuse first degree, and 1 count of attempt to commit sexual abuse first degree.
White is facing between 51 and 168 years in prison when he is sentenced later by the Circuit Court.
Mercer County assistant prosecuting attorney Lauren Lynch handled the prosecution of White and said “I’m grateful the jury did the right thing in this case. We hope the verdict will help the child to continue to heal from the trauma caused by the actions of the defendant. Thanks to the Sheriff’s Department for their hard work in bringing those who choose to victimize children to Justice.”
Mercer County Prosecuting Attorney Brian K. Cochran said that Lynch and the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department worked very hard on this case and did a great job. Cochran also thanked the Children’s Home Society and Mercer County Child Protect. “It takes cooperation among multiple agencies to bring cases to a successful conclusion and that’s what we are doing here in Mercer County.”
Judge William Sadler presided over the jury trial and criminal defense attorney Ryan J. Flanigan represented the defendant. Judge Sadler revoked White’s bond after the verdict and remanded him to the Southern Regional Jail pending sentencing.