After a 3-day jury trial earlier this month, 65-year-old John D. Wood of the 700 block of West Lake Road in Scottsburg was found guilty on two counts of child molesting, according to Scott County Prosecutor Chris Owens.
The convictions stem from an investigation launched on June 10, 2024, when the Scottsburg Police Department responded to a report regarding the sexual assault of a 9-year-old youngster.
During a specialized forensic interview conducted at the Family and Children’s Place, the victim detailed the assault and did so again during the trial. The investigation also revealed that Wood attempted to keep the child silent after the victimization, however the bravery of this child ultimately led to the arrest and conviction of Wood, said Owens.
“This verdict delivers justice for a young victim who showed immense bravery throughout this process,” said Owens. “We cannot say enough about the courageous actions of this child, without whom justice could not have been served.”
Cases like this take a toll on everyone involved, especially the victim and their family. Our office works tirelessly to resolve as many of these cases as possible with minimal additional trauma to victims, Owens said.
Plea agreements are typically used to get the best results possible with minimal trauma and revictimization, but when that cannot be achieved, our office is determined to see that justice be done and predators are held accountable by way of a jury trial, he said.
Wood, was booked into Scott County Jail at 4:12 p.m. on Wednesday June 3, after a jury found him guilty. He is being held being held for sentencing scheduled for Aug. 7.
Wood faces a prison sentence of 20-40 years in the Indiana Department of Correction, alongside an additional 2 to 12 years for the Level 4 Felony.
In addition to the jail sentence to be imposed, the Prosecutor’s Office will be arguing for Wood to be required to register as a lifetime sex offender.
Chief Deputy Amanda Herald and First Trial Deputy Mark Kiesler handled the prosecution.