On Monday, June 10, 2024, a jury was selected in two cases against Allen Ray Reppond for the offense of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a 10 year old girl and a 13 year old girl. The offenses occurred in the Pritchett Community of Upshur County.
Trial began on Tuesday, June 19, 2024, and the jury learned that one child had been adopted by new parents after being removed from her biological parent's home due to neglect and drug use. Then, just two years later, her grandfather started sexually abusing her by first showing her pornography and then acting those things out on the child. In November of 2023, her mother was concerned by things she heard from her father and questioned the victim who outcried about the abuse. Additionally, following the arrest of the defendant, a 13 year old neighbor was asked if the defendant had ever touched her inappropriately and she outcried to her mother.
The Upshur County Criminal District Attorney's Office gave a special thank you to the jury who held the line and delivered the maximum sentence allowed by law. The verdict reassures the most innocent among us will be protected and those that sexually abuse children punished. These cases are always difficult to hear and even harder to try before juries. Rob Bowen investigated the case on behalf of the Upshur County Sheriff's Office.
It took the jury less than 20 minutes to assess the maximum punishment of all three Counts and a maximum Fine of $30,000 based on each Count. There was one Life sentence and two 20 year sentences for Indecency With a Child. Judge Dean Fowler presided and the case was prosecuted by the Elected District Attorney, Billy W. Byrd and Assistant District Attorney, Michael F. Northcutt, Jr.
The brave girls were present to hear the sentence handed down and feel relief.
