Six Years in Prison, Two on Probation for Child Molesting
Posted
Craig Brosman-
A Mentone man was sentenced this morning in Kosciusko County Superior Court I to six years in prison for child molesting.
David E. Anderson, 65, of 301 N. Morgan St., Mentone, was sentenced to six years in prison with two years suspended for child molesting, a Class C felony. Anderson also will have to be on probation for two years.
Anderson was originally charged with child molesting, a Class A felony, but his plea agreement with the state dropped the Class A felony.
Anderson’s attorney, Thomas W. Earhart, addressed the court prior to sentencing. Earhart brought before the court mitigating factors for a lower sentence for Anderson.
“He has very little criminal history and has lead a law-abiding life for a substantial amount of time,” Earhart said. “Last time he was in court was 1982 when he was in court on a similar charge. Additionally, his risk assessment to reoffend was low.”
After Earhart spoke, Anderson chose to address the court and his family in the courtroom.
“I apologize to my family, I love you all so much and I am sorry for what I have put you through,” Anderson said. “I can promise you (Huffer) it will not happen again until my dying day.”
Huffer then proceeded to sentencing.
“It is a mitigating circumstance that you have lead a law-abiding life for a long time, however, you are in a position of trust,” Huffer said.
Huffer went on to address Anderson on his pleas agreement and his prior conviction in 1982 for similar crimes.
“There is no fool like an old fool. You did not learn the first time,” Huffer said. “I want you to understand this, you got a very good plea.”
The charges stemmed from allegations in January from two elementary school students who had heard a speech on body safety.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Anderson touched a 9-year-old girl inappropriately. The girl said that Anderson touched her vagina in his living room, bedroom and garage at his home.
A second girl said that he touched her vagina with his fingers and that Anderson then wanted her to touch his penis and she refused.
One of the girls said that Anderson put his finger into her vagina and that it hurt.
