An 82-year-old Daviess County man has been sentenced to 5 years in prison for two counts of sexual abuse of a minor.
Homer A. Harper, of the 7000 block of Deserter Creek Road, was found guilty Wednesday of first-degree sexual abuse (victim under the age of 16) — a Class D felony punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison. Harper was given the maximum 5 years on each count, though the sentences will run concurrently for a total of 5 years. A final sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 5.
According to a release from the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, the DCSO Criminal Investigations Division opened an investigation into Harper’s activities in October of 2020. That eventually led to an indictment by the Daviess County Grand Jury in June 2021.
Harper — who had been out on bond following his initial arrest — was taken into custody by DCSO court security officers following Wednesday’s verdict and transported to the Daviess County Detention Center.
Circuit Court Judge Lisa Jones presided over the trial and Michael VanMeter led the prosecution for the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office.
DCSO officials said the Department of Community Based Services/Child Protective Services played a key role in the investigation.
