MADISON – Boone County Circuit Judge William Thompson sentenced Donald Steward May on Dec. 28 to no less than five years and no more than 25 years in prison coupled with 50 years of supervised release in relation to the sexual assault of an 11 year-old female in Boone County in June of 2019.
May pled guilty to sexual abuse in the first degree.
Multiple family members addressed May and the court regarding the incident and the impact it had on the girl and her family including a passionate recount by her mother, who took the stand in the hearing.
Boone County Prosecuting Attorney Donna Taylor expressed to the court that May faces pending charges in Arkansas and fled to West Virginia. May is a native of West Virginia but had an Arkansas mailing address at the time of the assault. Taylor stated that the state would seek the maximum sentencing in the case.
As part of the investigation, Cpl. R. Grose with the West Virginia State Police Crimes Against Children’s unit conducted a forensic interview with the girl.
Public Defender David Lockwood stated that his client was diagnosed with Pedophilic Disorder.
“I’m asking for any alternative sentencing that would allow for outpatient treatment for my client,” he said to the court.
Judge Thompson addressed the victim during the hearing where she took the stand.
“The child victim in this case was very, very brave this morning,” Thompson concluded before sentencing. “You came up here in front of a room full of adults which is something that can sometimes even intimidate police officers. I’m proud of you.”
Thompson then addressed May. “Mr. May, she was 11 years-old and that is a young child. A grade school aged child,”
May did address the court and the victim’s family with a message that included the statement, “My heart is filled with sorrow and I’m so ashamed.”
