The State Attorney’s Office for the 1st Circuit announced the sentencing of 53 year old Jerald T. Stinson after a lengthy investigation conducted by the DeFuniak Springs Police Department. A Detective worked tirelessly to piece together the facts in this case. Stinson argued that the victim consented to sexual intercourse even though he was a family friend and had knowledge of the victim’s mental incapacity. The Jury didn’t buy it and Stinson was convicted of Sexual Battery on a Mentally Defective Adult. Stinson was sentenced to the maximum sentence allowed of 30 years. This case is troubling for the family of the victim in that Stinson was a trusted friend. “Justice was served,” said Chief Mark Weeks. “We can’t undo the hurt that Stinson has caused, but maybe the conviction and lengthy prison term brings some comfort to the victim and his family.”