Benton man pleads no contest to sexual assault

Richard Jason Wilson, 40, of Benton recently pleaded no contest to two counts of sexual assault- second degree and one count of possessing child pornography.

Circuit Judge Grisham Phillips sentenced Wilson to serve 15 years in the state Department of Correction, followed by 10 years suspended imposition of sentence.

Wilson pleaded no contest to sexually assaulting a minor family member, and a minor acquaintance of that family member.

Prosecuting Attorney Ken Casady said it was a just verdict. "It takes a great deal of courage for any child who has been sexually assaulted to come forward," he said. "This is especially true in this case because the victims were male victims and they are very conscious of the stigma that they may face as a result of their coming forward."

Casady thanked the Saline County Sheriff's Department for its work.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Carrie M. Robertson represented the state. The defendant was represented by Rebecca Brown.