FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — A Fayette County man pleaded guilty to use of obscene matter with intent to seduce a minor in court Wednesday.
Delmas Royal King, 70, of Oak Hill entered the guilty plea to the felony offense before Judge Paul M. Blake Jr.
Police originally charged King with sexual abuse by a parent, guardian, custodian, or person in position of trust in relation to a minor child and first degree sexual abuse.
A police investigation last year led to King’s arrest. He was accused of abusing a young girl under the age of 12.
King faces up to five years in prison and a potential fine of up to $25,000. He must also register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
“Although we certainly like to take sexual offenders out of circulation for as long as possible, this plea is in the best interest of both Justice and of the child victim in this case,” Fayette County Prosecuting Attorney Larry Harrah said in a statement released Wednesday. “This plea precludes the necessity of this innocent young victim being required to testify about a horrific experience in open court, and at the same time holds the suspect accountable for his crimes and requires him to register with the West Virginia State Police as a sexual predator for the rest of his life.”
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 3.