Woman Guilty of Sex with Girl, 12

(Lewisburg, West Virginia) A 25-year-old Rupert woman, Heather D. Hughart, was indicted last February on charges related to sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl in 2002. On Friday of last week, Hughart pleaded guilty to counts of sexual assault and sexual abuse and admitted to engaging in oral sex with the girl.

Hughart sobbed as she answered "guilty" to Circuit Judge Jim Rowe's questions concerning counts one and two of the indictment. Hughart also admitted to drug abuse problems in court.

"If this case had gone to trial, I would have expected to prove the defendant engaged in and performed oral sex on (the victim) and she knew the victim's age," assistant prosecutor Steve Dolly told the court. "The child came to her residence and stayed with her and drank alcohol and became intoxicated."

Dolly also said Hughart, after initially denying the charges, confessed to police. Public defender Steve Paragamian told the court the plea was in the best interest of his client.

Hughart is free on $5,000 bond. Sentencing is set for June 25th. Hughart faces a possible five years in prison for sex assault and 90 days for sex abuse.

Tip for pic: Anonymous in OH