LANCASTER, PA — A Columbia man was found guilty on Wednesday of sexually assaulting a minor over an eight-month period. The final assault was captured on video by the victim, leading to the conviction.
John Wakefield Jr., 48, from the first block of South 4th Street, was convicted of statutory sexual assault – 11 years older, indecent assault of a person less than 16, endangering the welfare of children, corruption of minors, and related charges. The verdict followed a three-day trial presided over by Lancaster County Judge Jeffery Wright.
Lancaster County Assistant District Attorney Christopher Miller presented the case against Wakefield Jr., including video evidence the victim had recorded in her bedroom. Despite defense witnesses claiming that Wakefield was never alone with the victim, the recording showed the assault taking place.
Miller emphasized the significance of the video evidence during his closing argument before the jury. He noted that the case was no longer just based on verbal accounts but had visible proof. He also commended the courage of the victim, who was 16 at the time of the abuse, for coming forward and testifying about the traumatic experience.
The abuse, as reported by the victim, spanned from February to September 2022. After recording the last incident, she provided the video to a neighbor who then reported it to the police.
The defense argued that the incidents were instances of “wrestling” and not sexual assault. However, the jury sided with the victim after less than three hours of deliberation, returning a guilty verdict.
Wakefield Jr. now awaits sentencing following a presentence and Megan’s Law evaluation. Columbia Borough Police Detective Matthew Leddy filed the charges and testified during the trial. The conviction underscores the gravity of such offenses and the justice system’s commitment to holding perpetrators accountable.
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