PRESCOTT, Ariz. — After five years, a Prescott man was convicted of sex crimes against a 10-year-old family member, Yavapai County courts announced. He's scheduled to be sentenced in October.
On Aug. 16, a Yavapai County jury convicted 34-year-old Jeremiah Ray Martin on four counts of molestation of a child, one count of sexual conduct with a minor, and one count of attempted sexual conduct with a minor
The investigation began in 2018 when the Department of Child Services (DCS) responded to a local elementary school for reports that a young female student had "made a disturbing statement during class," courts said.
DCS spoke with the child and her 10-year-old sister, and learned that Martin had been molesting the older sister. The girls were immediately removed from the home, and the Prescott Police Department began an investigation that ultimately led to the aforementioned charges, the court said.
“The victim displayed great courage during trial," Deputy Yavapai County Attorney Kristen Sharifi said. "No child should ever know what it feels like to be abused. The victim not only stood up for herself, but she protected her younger sister from future abuse. The victim is an amazing young woman, and her future is bright.”
Martin is facing a minimum of 60 years in Arizona State Prison.
>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on our 12News YouTube playlist here.
Watch 12News+ for free
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."
Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.