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Source: The News & Advance, Lynchburg, Va.迷你倉新蒲崗Aug. 21--A Nelson County man was sentenced Tuesday to serve 120 years in prison on five sexual felony convictions.A jury had convicted James E. Jessup III, 39, on three counts of aggravated sexual battery, and one count each of object sexual penetration and forcible sodomy, recommending a 120-year sentence during his June trial.During Tuesday's sentencing hearing, Nelson County Circuit Court Judge J. Michael Gamble upheld the jury's recommendation, which included the maximum sentence of 20 years each on the aggravated sexual battery convictions, and 30 years each on the counts of object sexual penetration and forcible sodomy. The terms will be served consecutively with no time suspended.Gamble said he is not always inclined to affirm a jury's verdict, but felt it was appropriate in this case."This case is a case that has, I think, at least to say, unpleasant facts," he said.The victim claimed when she moved to Nelson County in 2009 at the age of 15, Jessup began a pattern of sexual behavior toward and with her.During her testimony at the trial, she claimed he made sexual comments, which progressed to inappropriate touching, eventually to sexual acts and intercourse.The girl, now 19, claimed all the contact was against her will, adding she was intimidated by Jessup and believed he could hurt people.Her mother, who lives out of state, testified at the trial she contacted deputies in 2012 after her daughter accused Jessup of the abuse.Defense attorney Lloyd Snook asked Gamble to set aside the verdict, claiming it "makes very little sense."He noted the jury acquitted on multiple charges that included the element of force, threat or intimidation, while convicting on charge that incorporated the element. He also pointed out the victim did not submit a vict迷你倉出租m impact report.He said he felt in recommending 120 years, the jury was "strongly" reacting to the fact Jessup had a prior conviction of this nature from Delaware in 2003. The commonwealth referenced the conviction during the trial, but it was misstated as a forcible rape charge when it was a count of rape in the fourth degree, or consensual sex with an underage individual.Given the judge now had new information not available at trial, Snook said he had hoped Gamble would not uphold the jury's verdict."The notion of him being locked up 30-plus years is way more than necessary," he said.Gamble said he felt confident the jury "had considered the evidence very thoroughly," and the facts in the case show "unacceptable conduct" on the part of Jessup. After testimony concluded at the trial, the jury deliberated for about three and a half hours.Nelson County Commonwealth's Attorney Anthony Martin said while 120 years is "basically a life sentence," he felt in this case it was justified considering Jessup's record."I think it was a sad case all around," he said. "There are no winners in this case. ... I think it's a reasonable verdict and makes sense."Snook once again indicated his intention to appeal the case.On Aug. 8, Jessup was convicted of four more felony child sex crimes in Appomattox County Circuit Court. He was convicted of three counts of unlawful carnal knowledge of a minor and one count of indecent liberties.Circuit Court Judge Kim White also upheld four convictions from Appomattox County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court on charges of consensual sex with a minor, which is a misdemeanor.Sentencing is set for Sept. 5.Copyright: ___ (c)2013 The News & Advance (Lynchburg, Va.) Visit The News & Advance (Lynchburg, Va.) at .newsadvance.com Distributed by MCT Information Services儲存倉