FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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March 12, 2008 Bay County child molestation conviction State Attorney Steve Meadows announces the conviction, in Bay County Circuit Court, of Joseph Allen Howard, on seven counts of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation of a Child. The one male, five females jury deliberated just 22 minutes before finding that Howard, WM, DOB: 12-02-1983, 124 Arlington Drive, Springfield, molested the 15-years old female on seven occasions, in August and September, 2006. The jury found that penetration had occurred on each occasion. Prosecutor Albert J. Sauline presented evidence that Howard had threatened bodily harm to coerce the sexual activity. Howard faces a maximum possible sentence of 105 years in prison. Sentencing is set for April 8, 2008. Howard is also set for trial, March 31st, for molestation of an additional, 14-year old victim. |