SALYERSVILLE – A plea deal was taken just as a jury trial was scheduled to begin for a man charged with first-degree sexual abuse, victim under 12 years old.
In May 2021, Larry Martin, 59, of Gifford Road, Salyersville, was indicted by a Magoffin County grand jury on one count of first-degree sexual abuse, victim under 12 years of age, which is a Class C felony. According to the indictment, from approximately April 15 through May 15, 2019, Martin allegedly subjected another person to sexual contact who was incapable of consent because the child was less than 12 years of age.
The jury trial for Martin was scheduled to begin on Monday, February 28, with Martin, along with two prosecuting witnesses signing a plea deal, amending his charge to unlawful transaction with a minor. According to the plea deal, he will get 365 days in jail, with credit for time served, and must register as a sex offender for 20 years. Also included in the signed plea deal, Martin is to have no contact with the victim.
A sentencing hearing is slated for April 7 at 10 a.m. at the Magoffin County Justice Center, at which time the judge can decide whether to accept the plea deal’s terms.
Editor’s Note: The indictment or charge of a person by a grand jury or otherwise is an accusation only and that person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Kendra Marshall
March 4, 2022 at 6:25 pm
Wow one year for taken a child’s childhood from them. This absolutely ridiculous and makes me sick, if he had some drugs on him and was just getting himself high he would of got more then a year but hurt someone or taken a child’s life basically that child will live with this till they die and he will be free to do what he wants while this babies childhood is taken.
Ruby Marshall
March 4, 2022 at 7:37 pm
That is not acceptable. I hope the judge has some common sense. If he gets away with this then it is time to replace the judge.