Updated 06/22/2012 12:19 PM
Dallas Found Guilty on Six Out of Eight Charges
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A Wayne County judge handed down a verdict Friday in the bench trial of a Lyons man facing sex abuse charges involving a nine month old girl.
Richard Dallas, 24, was found guilty on six out of eight charges. He was charged with predatory sexual assault against a child, aggravated sexual abuse, and endangering the welfare of a child. Dallas was found not guilty of lesser charges of sexual abuse.
Prosecutor Richard Healy says he is satisfied with this outcome.
"I'm pleased with the verdict although I'm not surprised. This was a strong case. This is why we never had an offer to plea bargain the case. We had a strong case," said Healy.
Police say the nine month old girl was taken to the hospital by ambulance on November 30th for trouble breathing. A report was made to Child Protective Services after doctors say she suffered severe internal injuries as the result of a sexual assault. Healy calls the crime unthinkable.
"It's hard to talk about his case I've been doing this for 30 years and I don't think I've had a case where it's hard for me to even talk about or think about. It's so sad. This child was injured so horribly, in such a depraved manner. It's beyond believe somebody would do this to a child," said Healy.
Dallas believed the nine month old girl was his daughter at the time. Court testimony later revealed she was not his biologically. Has family left the court without commenting. Dallas' lawyer did not comment either. Healy says this case has impacted the entire community. He says the good news is that the victim is expected to fully recover.
"That's the good news in this case if there is any. In fact the doctor testified during the trial, he expects a full recovery. She's doing fine. There's no more colostomy bag. They have reattached her colon to her rectum and they expect a full recovery. That's wonderful news for somebody that young," said Healy.
The child is currently in foster care. Healy says the mother of the child is facing abuse and neglect charges, which is expected to be resolved in family court.
Dallas is scheduled to return to court for sentencing July 17th. He faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison.