Sex Abuser of Minor Sentenced to 15 Years

A Pine Ridge man has been found guilty of a heinous sex crime that has shaken the community. Benjamin Leonard, 57, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on December 21, 2012, and pled guilty to Sexual Abuse of a Minor.

According to the prosecution, Leonard engaged in a sexual act with a child under the age of 16 between June and August 2010, near Pine Ridge. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins is leading the prosecution.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 15 years’ imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine. Leonard was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending acceptance of this plea and sentencing.

While the judge has not yet accepted the plea, a presentence investigation has been ordered, and a sentencing date has been set for April 2, 2013. The community is awaiting the outcome of this case, hoping for justice to be served.

Sex crimes against minors are a serious issue and have severe consequences. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Benjamin Leonard’s case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting our children from predators. The community must come together to prevent such crimes from happening in the future.

The Grimy Times will continue to provide coverage of this case and others like it, shedding light on the dark corners of our society and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.

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