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| Livingston, August 21, 2013: Keith Wilson, 21, of Livingston, listens during the punishment phase of his trial of sexual assault. |
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Jury Finds Livingston Man Guilty of Sexual Assault of 17 Year Old Girl, LIVINGSTON, August 21, 2013 - A Polk County Jury found a 21 year old Livingston man guilty of the crime of sexual assault. The trial took place in District Judge, David Wilson's court (Judge Wilson has no relation to defendant Keith Wilson). Defendant, Keith Wilson, 21, of Livingston, is facing up to 20 years in prison for the 2010 rape of a 17 year old girl who was passed out at the time of the assault. On May 29, 2010, Wilson was at a party in Livingston. The party was attended by youths from Polk County and nearby vicinities. One girl in attendance was the victim, (17 at the time), of Huntsville. According to witnesses, there was much underage drinking going on at the party. She had her fill and was passed out. Her sister and another girl took her to a bedroom in the home and laid her down on the bed to sleep off her intoxication. Once they left the room, Keith Wilson slipped into the room and locked the door. Wilson then climbed on top of her and penetrated her (sexual intercourse). Her sister and another girl returned and forced the door open to find Wilson on top of her. Wilson jumped off of the girl and bolted for the door, he attempted to run out of the house, but party goers stopped Wilson and held him until police arrived. A pair of special prosecutors were sent in to try the case.
Punishment Phase...
After the verdict was handed down, a brief recess was taken and the court reassembled and began the punishment phase of Wilson's trial. During the punishment phase, Wilson's past transgressions were brought to light for the jury. Among other things, Wilson had a history of allegedly grabbing girls at Livingston High School. One witness stated to the jury from the witness stand that while she attended Livingston High School, Wilson grabbed her breast, crotch and butt. She told Wilson to stop, but Wilson wouldn't stop. In 2009, Wilson was found guilty of grabbing a female student in a sexual way. In 2011 (after the 2010 sexual assault of) Wilson allegedly assaulted a prostitute but wasn't charged after the prostitute decided to drop the charges. An assistant manager from Livingston Walmart took the stand told how Wilson stole a cell phone charger and some athletic gloves from Walmart. Further, a cousin of Wilson who works at Baskins department store took the stand and told how Wilson to attempted steal some cowboy boots.
Keith Wilson Takes the Witness Stand...
Wilson was called to the witness stand by his attorney and was asked, if on probation (rather than sentenced to prison), could he be rehabilitated. Wilson said yes. At one point Wilson broke down crying asking the jury if they could find it in their hearts to forgive him, and if he could get probation rather than prison. During cross examination, the prosecutor asked Wilson about the stealing at Walmart, Wilson stated that he doesn't remember. When asked about grabbing girls while at Livingston High School, Wilson again stated that he doesn't remember. Wilson stated that he only remembers hugging some girls while in school. The special prosecutor asked Wilson why he would ask the jury to forgive him for something if he claims he didn't do it. Wilson stated he didn't know what the prosecutor was asking.
Judge David Wilson adjourned the court and the punishment phase will conclude today (August 22, 2013).
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