Anthony Cloud
Staff Writer
Two men originally charged with sex crimes were sentenced in Bell Circuit Court on Monday.
Bobby Akers, 22, of Middlesboro, and Randolph Watson Jr. of Middlesboro were sentenced.
Akers was sentenced to 10 years in the penitentiary for one count of first-degree sexual abuse, according to Linda West, his attorney.
Approximately two months ago, Akers pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree sexual abuse and two counts of first-degree sodomy. Commonwealth Attorney Karen Greene Blondell recommended a 10-year sentence in the penitentiary under all counts to run concurrently with each other.
The sexual acts occurred between January 2009 and January 2011. Akers had sexual contact with the minor, who was less than 12 years old, and engaged in deviate sexual intercourse with someone who was incapable of consent due to their age, according to the plea agreement document.
Watson was sentenced to 10 years in the penitentiary on two counts of first-degree criminal abuse, according to attorney Mike Ingram. The charges will run concurrently with each other. He pleaded guilty approximately two weeks ago.
The child’s mother was present in court for the plea agreement. The mother of the victim authorized the plea agreement.
According to the plea agreement, Watson intentionally abused the child, 12 years old or younger, causing torture and placed the victim in a situation that may cause serious physical injury.
Watson was arrested a little over a year ago. He was originally charged with two counts of first-degree sodomy. Officer Kevin Goodin of the Pineville Police Department was made aware of the case through the help of a social services worker.
The abuse occurred at Watson’s apartment at Wilderness Trial Manor. After working on the case for about a month, Goodin got enough information to make the arrest. Watson was indicted on the charges shortly after his arrest.
Christopher David Lawson, 38, of Middlesboro, was also formally sentenced on Monday. He was sentenced to 10 years in the penitentiary for second-degree assault.
Nearly a year and a half ago, Lawson was involved in a wreck along U.S. 25E in front of Pineville Community Hospital. The white minivan that Lawson was driving crossed into the southbound lane and collided head on with a vehicle operated by Bobby Baker.
Baker was flown to the University of Tennessee Hospital in Knoxville from the scene of the crash. Lawson was transported to the Pineville Emergency Room and later was airlifted to the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington.
Baker died several months later.
Reach Anthony Cloud at 606-248-1010, ext. 208, acloud@civitasmedia.com
Post a Comment
