Goddard sentenced on Child Molesting charges
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Jason Goddard, 20, of New Marion, was sentenced to six years imprisonment, two of those suspended, after he was found guilty of Child Molesting.

A Ripley County jury heard testimony and saw evidence that resulted in a guilty verdict after a two-day trial in December. The jury deliberated about five hours, according to Ripley Publishing Co. files. The victim took the stand as well as her father and Det. Tracy Rohlfing from the Indiana State Police.

Prosecution presented evidence that Goddard had "inappropriately touched a then six year old relative while he was babysitting at her house."

Prosecutor Ric Hertel argued for the sentence saying that "Goddard was in a position of care, custody and control over the victim at the time of the crime." Hertel noted that by Indiana law, the judge can use this factor to aggravate a sentence. For the felony charge the range of sentencing was two to eight years imprisonment.

When Goddard completes his sentence, he is required to register as a Sex Offender and follow the rules of probation.

Prosecutor Hertel noted that the "closure of this case and the sentence imposed will aid this young girl in putting this crime behind her."

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