GREENFIELD, Ind. — A man who admitted he wanted to “experiment with children” has been convicted of molesting multiple kids after a four-day trial in Hancock County. Jericho Johnson had worked with both the YMCA and Shining Stars Academy until his actions were exposed last year.
The case began when a child at Shining Stars reported Johnson. After that, ten more children came forward, saying he had also molested them.
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“What started as a case with two victims quickly snowballed into more than 10 victims and families needing assistance and services. A trial of this magnitude required intense teamwork and an extremely coordinated effort with our victims and their families, our partner agencies, and the trial team,” said Chief Deputy Prosecutor Aimee Herring.
At Shining Stars, the child’s parents reported Johnson to owner Kelly Basey, who failed to notify authorities. She was charged with failure to report but was later acquitted.
Johnson continued working with children until two victims at the YMCA reported him.
“I am in awe of the brave and courageous children that took the stand one after another. They showed the Court and the Defendant just how strong they are and that no matter what the Defendant did to them, the kids would not be silenced,” Herring added.
Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced on July 18.
