A Wayne County jury has convicted 71-year-old Charles Andrew Maines of vicarious sexual gratification and child solicitation, closing out a disturbing case that centered on a preteen girl, a sex toy, and a tiny camera prosecutors say was meant to record her. After the verdict, Judge April Drake ordered Maines held at the Wayne County Correctional Center while he awaits sentencing.
Verdict and charges
As reported by the Palladium-Item, jurors returned guilty verdicts after a multi-day trial that wrapped this week. Maines was convicted of vicarious sexual gratification, charged as a Level 4 felony in this case, and child solicitation, a Level 5 felony.
What the law says
Indiana law defines vicarious sexual gratification and child-solicitation offenses and ties felony levels to the victim’s age and other aggravating factors. Per Indiana Code §35-42-4-5, as published by Justia, and the state’s sentencing table at IC 35-50-2-5.5, according to Justia, a Level 4 felony can carry two to twelve years in prison, while a Level 5 felony carries one to six years, with possible enhancements for habitual offenders.
Allegations at trial
Court filings and testimony presented to jurors, including exhibits described by prosecutors, alleged that Maines bought a small camera and gave the preteen girl a sex toy, the Palladium-Item reports. The outlet also notes that a letter Maines sent to the court included the line, “the devil had me in his grip.”
Custody and next steps
Maines remains in custody at the Wayne County Correctional Center in Richmond while the court sets a sentencing date; the Wayne County Sheriff's Office lists the facility at 200 East Main Street. Convictions for the offenses at issue would also trigger sex-offender registration and notification requirements overseen by the Indiana Department of Correction’s Sex & Violent Offender Registry, which the state maintains for qualifying convictions.
Regional context
Indiana prosecutors have recently increased enforcement of internet and solicitation cases involving minors, with local reporting detailing a string of undercover stings and prosecutions around the Indianapolis area. For a recent example of similar charges and an undercover operation, see reporting on similar charges and an undercover operation.
