Staff Writer

A Union jury deliberated around seven hours before convicting a man on one sex charge and exonerating him on another.

Luther Bernard Pearson, 42, of 103 Westminster Circle was found guilty Thursday of committing a lewd act on a minor but found not guilty of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor.

Friday, Circuit Judge R. Knox McMahon of Lexington sentenced Pearson to 15 years in prison.

According to his arrest warrant from the Union Public Safety Department, Pearson was accused of forcing a 14-year-old girl to have sexual intercourse against her will while at an apartment on 1208 West Main St. in February of 2005.

Deputy Clerk of Court Sandra Foster said during their deliberations the jury sent out four notes to McMahon. A note sent out about 4 p.m. said the jury could not reach a verdict. McMahon gave an Allen Charge, which encourages a deadlocked jury involved in prolonged deliberations to go back and reach a verdict.

Deputy Solicitor John Anthony said the jury also asked to see again the testimony of the victim in the case and they were provided a transcript. They also wanted to hear again the testimony of a DNA expert in the case and an emergency room doctor who performed an exam on the victim. The judge allowed them to hear a tape of these testimonies.

Capt. Freddie Gault with the public safety department said putting the case together against Pearson was a team effort.

“The solicitor's office did an excellent job prosecuting the case,” he said. “The witnesses did a good job - the agents from SLED who came up as expert witnesses and also the medical staff at Wallace Thomson Hospital. Dr. Elizabeth Patrick (emergency room doctor) and the nurses did a good job collecting evidence and taking care of the victim and also did a great job testifying.”

The following people pleaded guilty Thursday in General Sessions Court before Circuit Judge R. Knox McMahon of Lexington:

Antonio Aiken, 141 Aiken Road, Jonesville, to grand larceny over $1,000, 30 days weekend service; to third-degree burglary, two years suspended to 90 days weekend service and two years probation.

Christopher Austin, 250 Old English Road, Union, to distribution of cocaine and assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, six years.

Joshua Brunet, 120 Hightower Drive, Buffalo, to distribution of marijuana, three years suspended to 30 months probation.

Ronald Eubanks, 177 Sprouse Road, Jonesville, to criminal domestic violence, one year suspended to 122 days and two years probation.

Larry Holland, 207 South Mickey Ave., Bessemer, to resisting arrest, one year.

William Ochiltree, 104 Third Ave., Union, to distribution of marijuana, three years suspended to 30 months probation and $500 to the public defender fund.