Cass County man found guilty

A Cass County jury on Tuesday returned an “as-charged” guilty verdict against Leon Watson for his ongoing molestation of his great-niece over a seven-year period at a rural Cass County farm.
The victim was 7 years old when the sex crimes began and approximately 14 when they ended last year.
Watson, a 67-year-old Vandalia resident, is expected to receive a statutorily-mandated 25 year prison sentence.
Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz said the defendant was convicted of all counts – two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of criminal sexual conduct second degree.
Sentencing is scheduled to take place May 13.