Greenville, MS- Earlier this week Nikeya Harper was convicted following a two-day jury trial by a Washington County Jury for sexual acts committed against a twelve-year-old child. Harper, the child’s stepfather was found guilty of attempted statutory rape and fondling. The case was tried before Circuit Court Judge Richard Smith in the Washington County Courthouse.
John Herzog Jr. and Takiyah Perkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the District Attorney’s Office. Herzog said, “We were inspired by the courage of the victim in this case to come forward and testify against the defendant that robbed her of her childhood innocence.”
Harper’s sentencing will be held at a later date and he faces twenty years to life in prison for the attempted statutory rape based on the age of the victim and an additional fifteen years for the fondling. Any sentence imposed upon Harper will be mandatory based in them being sex offense convictions and Harper is required to register as a sex offender.
The District Attorney’s Office appreciates the hard work and due diligence provided by the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, Mississippi Child Protective Services with DHS and the Children’s Advocacy Center end ensuring that this victim received justice.