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Man gets prison term for sex abuse

August 07, 2003

A local man who pleaded guilty to 15 counts of first-degree sexual abuse in April was sentenced to five years in prison on each count Tuesday by Boyle Circuit Judge Darren Peckler.

The 15 five-year sentences for William F. Coffey, 60, of 692 Bryants Camp Road, Lancaster, will run concurrently.

Peckler pronounced the sentence after hearing Coffey apologize to his "family, friends and everyone this affected," saying he was "embarrassed."

Defense attorney Ephraim Helton requested probation for Coffey, submitting letters of character commendation as well as statements citing Coffey's poor health and otherwise clean police record, but Peckler said community standards mandated jail time.

"Even in light of the apology, it is nonetheless something that is repugnant," said Peckler, referring to Coffey's crime. "I don't think it would have been interrupted had it not been discovered and reported. I have some real concerns about the ongoing nature of the crime and the consequences this may have on the victim long term."

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Coffey originally was charged with 15 counts of first-degree unlawful transaction with a minor under 16 years of age between January and October 2001. The charges were amended to first-degree sexual abuse.

Coffey will be eligible for parole after he completes one year of his sentence, according to the Division of Probation and Parole. Upon his release from prison, he will be required to register with law enforcement agencies for 10 years wherever he chooses to live, Peckler said.



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