Watson

ELKINS — A Randolph County man entered a plea agreement for a felony sexual abuse charge in Randolph County Circuit Court.

David Allen Watson, 50, appeared in Randolph County Circuit Court and entered into an agreement to plead guilty to one count of sexual abuse in the first degree, a felony.

Before accepting the plea, Watson waived his right to an indictment, meaning the Randolph County Grand Jury will not review the evidence in his case. The case immediately moved forward to the Randolph County Circuit Court. He was initially charged with one count of sexual abuse by a parent, a guardian or custodian, a felony.

Watson agreed to an Alford plea, also known as a Kennedy plea, meaning he did not have to admit to the criminal act and could assert his innocence, but he still accepted the imposition of a sentence.

Watson was represented in court by attorney Gregory Tingler. Randolph County Circuit Court Judge Jaymie Wilfong presided over the hearing.

By pleading guilty to sexual abuse in the first degree, Watson could possibly be sentenced to not less than five, nor more than 25 years in the state penitentiary, and a fine of not less than $1000, nor more than $5,000.

Due to the crime charged against him and the age of the victim, Watson will be registered as a sex offender for life. He will also be under extended supervision once his sentence is complete.

Before Watson entered the plea, Assistant Randolph County Prosecutor Christina Harper informed the court of the factual basis for the case against Watson. She said that in February, Deputy Rocky Hebb of the Randolph County Sheriff Department responded to a complaint and allegation of sexual abuse against Watson by a child under the age of 12.

Harper provided the court details of the victim’s accusations against Watson. She also spoke about the interview report given by Child Protective Services, which stated that Watson “expressed confusion” over the allegations and that he had stated he had “not had inappropriate contact” with the victim.

Once Harper finished giving the case’s factual basis, Wilfong asked Watson if there was anything Harper had said that he disputed or objected to. Watson hesitated for a moment before saying he did dispute something; however, he then backtracked.

“There is dispute, but, really, I guess that would be going to court (trial) doing that, but no, ma’am,” Watson told Wilfong.

Wilfong then asked Watson if there was anything he’d like to add, correct or change regarding what Harper had said. Watson hesitated again before saying he had nothing to add, correct or change.

Watson is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 21.