Judgements Upheld In Trial Of WV Woman

She was convicted last year in Frederick County of sexually abusing a teenage boy.

 


Frederick, Md (KM)  A higher court affirmed the judgements in the trial of a Harpers Ferry, West Virginia woman who was convicted in Frederick County last year of sexually abusing a teenage boy.

The Maryland Court of Special Appeals found there was no error by the prosecution in not dismissing the first charging documents in order to get around 180-day rule. . The Court also determined that the postponement of the trial from June 9th to August 30th, 2016 because the prosecutor was involved in another trial was reasonable. And the Court of Special Appeals also ruled that the trial court did not make a mistake by refusing the defense’s request for acquittal of Michelle Arthur.

Arthur, 45, was convicted on August 30th, 2016 of three counts of sexual abuse of a minor, and one count of third degree sex offense. Arthur was sentenced to 25 years in prison with all but 10 years suspended. She also must register as a sex offender.

The victim in this case was a 15-year-old boy who was living in her home as a friend of her son. She became pregnant when the boy was 15. Arthur had the child. She also got pregnant again when  the victim was 18, and had the baby.

The victim reported the abuse to Frederick Police when Arthur would not let him see the children.

 

By Kevin McManus