Man faces up to 55 years in prison for sexually assaulting a child

Greg Jordan, Bluefield Daily Telegraph, W.Va.
·2 min read
2

Sep. 26—PRINCETON — A man is facing up to 55 years in prison, a lifetime of registering as a sex offender and 20 years of supervision after being sentenced in Mercer County Circuit Court for sexually assaulting a child.

Joshua Stephens, 31, of Princeton was sentenced Monday by Circuit Court Judge William Sadler to spend 25 to 55 years in prison for sexually assaulting a child, Mercer County Prosecuting Attorney Brian Cochran said. Stephens previously pleaded guilty to first-degree sexual assault and sexual abuse by a parent, guardian or custodian.

Cochran and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Lauren Lynch said that "the child in this case is an incredible young person who we think has a very bright future with the full support of the child's mother and other family members."

"The Princeton Police Department and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Lauren Lynch and our Prosecutor's Office's victim advocates, together with Child Protect of Mercer County worked very hard and hand-in-hand together to bring this case to a very successful resolution," Cochran said. "We have a great team here in Mercer County that are cooperating with each other and communicating with each other in order to help make sure that our kids are being protected as best as possible. They are all doing exactly what they are supposed to be doing to make sure that those who harm a child are held accountable."

Stephens and his attorneys asked the court to run the sentences concurrently, meaning both sentences would run together and at the same time, effectively eliminating one sentence.Judge Sadler ruled against this motion, Cochran stated.

Cochran and Lynch said they were thankful for the court's decision.

"Stephens admitted to what he done but then kept going back and forth and placing blame elsewhere. We appreciate the court sentencing Stephens to the maximum sentences on each charge because, based on the facts of this case, that's what he deserves. The judge did the right thing for all involved," Cochran said. "Those like Stephens need to know that this behavior is not acceptable and they will be held accountable."

Judge Sadler also ordered that Stephens be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life and that he be placed on extended supervision for an additional 20 years after he serves his sentences in prison.

Stephens was indicted in June 2022 on charges including first-degree sexual assault, first-degree sexual abuse and sexual abuse by a parent, guardian, custodian or a person in a position of trust to a child. The incidents occurred between Oct. 23, 2020 and Jan. 21, 2022, according to the indictment.

— Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com

Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com