The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1489075
ter testified that he had do- ne similar things to her. It also cited, "Gray had three prior felony convictions, including two counts of a class D felony of neglect of a dependent and a convic- tion of performance before a minor that is harmful to minors, in 2014. The appeals court stated, "The court did not abuse its discretion by failing to find this proffered mitigating circumstance or by failing to give this circumstance mitigating weight." Gray also claimed his age of 55 at time of sentencing was a hardship and like- ly he would receive a life- time sentence. The appeals court stat- ed, "Gray has not provided the trial court or this Court with evidence that he will be unable to obtain medi- cal treatment in the DOC or that he suffers from se- rious health conditions be- yond normal aging. . . In- stead, Gray reported in his pre-sentence investigation report his physical health was 'good'." Gray also claimed in his appeal he had "led a law abiding life for a sub- stantial period of time." "We can not agree," said the appeal court. They con- tinued "Gray's current con- viction is his fourth felony conviction. Instead of being a mitigating circumstance, his criminal history, all of which involves illegal con- duct with minors, is an ag- gravating circumstance." Gray also claimed the sentence was too severe for the nature of his crime. The appeals court stated, "As for the nature of the of- fense, we need not repeat the lurid details set forth in the facts and procedural history section of this de- cision of the extensive sex- ual abuse suffered by the child victims, their friend and Grays' former step- daughter at Gray's hands and while in his care. Most certainly, the particulars of Gray's behavior render him among the more cul- pable within the range of conduct for the charged of- fense. Suffice it to say, we find nothing about the na- ture of the offense suggest- ing that a downward revi- sion of his sentence is war- ranted." The Court also cit- ed, "Gray exploited and groomed his young vic- tims, sexually abusing them while they were in his care. And he did so af- ter grooming and sexual- ly abusing his stepdaugh- ter." Gray has not met his burden of showing that his sentence should be revised downward due to substan- tial virtuous traits or per- sistent examples of good character and has conced- ed that the nature of the offense does not support a downward revision of his sentence. In conclusion the appeals court stated, "We affirm the trial court's judgment." Petersburg Lions Club, Pe- tersburg Kiwanis, the Pike County Indiana Farm Bureau, and the St. Mary Parish sew- ing club for their donations to Mason's General Store. The store is a work in progress, therefore, if any- one wants to help, volunteer time, donate, or has questions, contact Christine Waddell at cwaddell@pcsc.k12.in.us Pike Central Middle School teacher Mrs. Christine Waddell, far left, accepts a donation for Pike Central Mason's General Store, which was presented by The Pe- tersburg Lion's Club members, left to right, Lucy Southwood, Erica Thomas, Wil- low Thomas, Connie Thomas and Lowell Thomas. Not pictured is Don Southwood. Right: Petersburg's lo- cal Indiana Farm Bureau recently donated $250 to Mason's General Store. Front, left to right, Kristi- na Mann and Amie Boger; back, left to right, Adam Scales and Dustin Schnarr. Life Milestones made free CALL: 812-354-8500 Put a free photo with write up on Births or upcoming Card Showers. Front Wednesday, December 28, 2022 The Press-Dispatch A-2 GRAY Continued from page 1 MASON'S Continued from page 1 SERVICES Now buying grain at 605 S. Oak St., Winslow (Formerly ADM Growmark) For hours and prices, call: Tom Anson 812-890-6105 or Nathan Andrews 812-309-0178 We would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year. A big thank you to our customers and community for their support this year ! Monday 8-7 • Tuesday 8-noon • Wednesday 10-7 • Thursday & Friday 8-5 eye exams • dry eye solutions prescription lenses • eye disease treatment Call to book your appointment today for safe in-offi ce treatment. Don't Neglect Your Eye Health. We're Open to See You Now! Dr. Clint Shoultz 715 S. 9th St., Petersburg 812-354-9400 Locally Owned and Operated Recorder awarded for new Property Fraud Alert sign-ups Pike County Recorder Jeff Harting accepted an award for Pike County being the top Indiana county on Dec. 20, based on population for new Property Fraud Alert sign- ups. This Program is part of Pike Counties relationship with Fidlar Technologies, a land records Company that serves 43 counties in Indiana as well as other mid-western states. The program will prompt- ly notify landowners of any land records recorded in their name, giving them time to act quickly. According to the FBI Prop- erty and Mortgage fraud are the fastest growing white-col- lar crimes in America. This award follows Pike County be- ing recognized for third place the previous year. The Pike County Record- er's Office has made it a prior- ity to inform the public of this issue and how to take precau- tions to protect their proper- ty. A flyer was included with property tax statements, so- cial media posts and in-per- son contacts in the office have been a big part of this success- ful effort. Any property owner who would like to sign up for this free service may do so at www.propertyfraudalert.com Kirsten Fairchild of Fidlar Technologies presents Pike County Recorder Jeff Harting with an award recogniz- ing Pike County for being the the top Indiana county in their Property Fraud Alert Program.