A former Youth Development Center worker was convicted of sexually assaulting two teens in the 1990s, marking a significant step in the ongoing abuse investigation
Hillsborough County: A jury found Stanley Watson guilty of sexually assaulting two teenage boys while he worked at the Youth Development Center back in the 90s. This is a big deal, as he’s the second former worker to be convicted in this ongoing investigation.
Watson, who’s 55 and from Allenstown, was found guilty on three counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault. The incidents happened between April 1997 and January 1998. He’s set to be sentenced on February 6.
The trial took place over three days in Manchester, and the jury took some time to deliberate before reaching their decision. Attorney General John M. Formella expressed gratitude for the jury’s work, emphasizing that this conviction is a crucial step toward justice for all victims.
Interestingly, another former YDC worker, Bradley Asbury, was also found guilty of similar charges back in November. He’s scheduled for sentencing on January 27.
During the trial, prosecutors shared evidence of Watson’s assaults on two boys who were living in different facilities at the time. The prosecutor pointed out that the very person meant to protect them turned out to be their predator.
Watson had given the boys gifts and special privileges, making them feel cared for in a tough environment. After they turned 17 and left YDC, he admitted to having sex with them, which the prosecutor argued was just a continuation of the abuse.
Watson’s defense claimed that those encounters were consensual and suggested that the victims might have financial motives since they are involved in lawsuits against the state.
These two victims are part of a larger group, with over 1,300 individuals filing lawsuits alleging abuse at YDC over the years. The first lawsuit went to trial last year, and there are still some legal questions hanging over a significant jury award.
