Perry County man sentenced to three life terms for sexually assaulting children
PERRY COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A Perry County man will spend the rest of his life in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting multiple children.
According to Attorney General Russell Coleman, 58-year-old Harrison Cress was found guilty by a jury of two counts of first-degree sodomy of a child under 12, one count of incest involving a child under 12, and three counts of first-degree sexual abuse of a child under 12. The jury recommended three life sentences because of what Coleman described as “the heinous nature of the crimes.”
The Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Unit led the case. Prosecutors said Cress “groomed” his victims — giving gifts and attention to gain their trust before abusing them. The investigation began after one child came forward and reported the abuse to her grandmother.
Children’s Advocacy Centers in Ashland and Hazard interviewed the victims, which helped lead to Cress’s arrest.
“These brave kids spoke up about their abuse, and their guardians believed them and then took action,” Coleman said in a release. “Crimes like this happen in communities across Kentucky, and I encourage every adult to know the signs and how to report it.”
Anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect in Kentucky is urged to call 877-KYSAFE1 (877-597-2331).
