BLUEFIELD, W.Va. — Jurors deliberated for less than 30 minutes before returning a guilty verdict against a Bluefield man accused of sexually assaulting a three-year-old child.
The trial for Henry Bennett, 26, began on Wednesday and ended on Thursday afternoon when he was found guilty on six felony counts of first degree sexual assault, first degree sexual abuse, and incest.
According to prosecutors, allegations of inappropriate contact between Bennett and the victim were made in February when the child described behavior by Bennett to family members and, later, to a social worker. Bennett reportedly told investigators he thought the toddler was his wife when she climbed into his bed and sexual contact subsequently occurred. A second incident involved a sex toy.
Bennett’s wife previously pleaded guilty to child neglect as part of a deal requiring her to testify.
Bennett faces a maximum of 270 years in prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled to take place on March 26.