Covington Man: Jury Recommends Life Sentence

Justin Simpson, 41, of Covington, faces a potential life sentence after a Kenton County jury found him guilty of first-degree unlawful transaction with a minor causing injury. The verdict was reached Friday and recommends the maximum penalty for the crime, despite the jury acquitting him on multiple sexual assault charges.

Simpson was originally charged with rape, sodomy, sexual abuse, and unlawful transaction with a minor. The case began nearly two years ago when Covington police arrested him following a report from a 17-year-old girl. The victim alleged that Simpson lured her to the Radisson Hotel, injected her with methamphetamine, and then committed sexual acts against her.

During a three-day trial, Simpson took the stand in his own defense. He admitted to injecting the young girl with methamphetamine but denied any sexual contact. The jury accepted his account regarding the physical acts but convicted him on the charge he acknowledged. They also found him to be a first-degree persistent felony offender, a status based on his record of seven prior felony offenses and several misdemeanor convictions.

Rob Sanders, the Kenton County commonwealth's attorney, expressed surprise at the jury's decision to acquit Simpson on the sex offenses. Sanders stated that he believed the victim's testimony in full but was astonished the jury did not agree. However, he emphasized that the sentencing recommendation was appropriate because it ensures Simpson remains incarcerated where he cannot harm other children.

Sanders noted that while he was disappointed by the specific charges the jury rejected, he was satisfied with the final punishment. The conviction on the unlawful transaction charge carried a weighty penalty that aligns with the severity of the crime in the prosecutor's view.

Simpson's formal sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 3 in Kenton County Court. The judge will review the jury's recommendation and impose the final sentence at that time.