MERCER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS)– The Mercer County jury found a Mercer County man not guilty of sexual assault on Wednesday.
Authorities charged Robert Hurst II of Princeton with first-degree sexual assault and sexual abuse by a parent, guardian, custodian, or person of trust in May 2020 after the mother called police to Princeton Community Hospital. Hurst denied the allegations and provided a statement after the child’s mother confronted him.
This case was represented by Assistant Prosecutor Lauren Lynch and Assistant Prosecutor David Pfeifer. Judge William Sadler presided over the trial. Attorney Derrick Lefler defended Hurst.
The child testified and described what happened to her. She told the court that while her mother was showering, Hurst took her into a bedroom and persuaded her to perform oral sex on him.
The trial started on Tuesday, and the jury deliberated and gave the ‘not guilty verdict on Wednesday.
Lynch was very proud of the young girl for how strong she was testifying. She also said she was disappointed at the outcome the jury came to but respected their decision.
“We are really disappointed in the outcome, but we respect the jury’s decision. I do want to say the girl involved is very strong and gave a really good statement coming forward. She is courageous for that,” said Lynch.
If Hurst would’ve been convicted, he could’ve spent 25 to 100 years in prison for first-degree sexual assault and 10 to 25 years for sexual abuse by a parent, guardian, custodian, or person of trust.
