The following press release has been issued by the Office of Ashley Welch, District Attorney.
Robert Scott Trull, a former Canton Fire Department employee, pled guilty to various sexual crimes against a child today in Haywood County Superior Court. He received an active sentence of 15 to 23 years in prison, followed by three years of probation upon his release.
“This little girl is amazingly strong and was willing to go to trial,” said District Attorney Ashley Welch. “Her bravery in coming forward is to be commended, as she has stopped a predator.” With a jury downstairs waiting to be selected, Trull, 47, pled guilty to four counts of First Degree Statutory Sexual Offense, one count of Attempted First Degree Rape of a Child by an Adult, seven counts of Indecent Liberties with a Child, and one count of Disseminating Obscene Material to a Minor under 13 Years.
“Prosecuting child molesters is a top priority for my office. The nature of these crimes, however, can make it very difficult for a child to testify about his or her abuse at the hands of an adult in whom they trusted. The victim in this case has ensured that Mr. Trull will not have an opportunity to offend for a very long time,” said Welch.
“I also wish to thank Assistant District Attorney Kate Wren, Chief Assistant District Attorney Jeff Jones, Sheriff Greg Christopher, Detective Heath Justice, and the team at the KARE House for their dedication and hard work. Their commitment to these cases is incredibly important,” said Welch.
Robert Scott Trull, a former Canton Fire Department employee, pled guilty to various sexual crimes against a child today in Haywood County Superior Court. He received an active sentence of 15 to 23 years in prison, followed by three years of probation upon his release.
“This little girl is amazingly strong and was willing to go to trial,” said District Attorney Ashley Welch. “Her bravery in coming forward is to be commended, as she has stopped a predator.” With a jury downstairs waiting to be selected, Trull, 47, pled guilty to four counts of First Degree Statutory Sexual Offense, one count of Attempted First Degree Rape of a Child by an Adult, seven counts of Indecent Liberties with a Child, and one count of Disseminating Obscene Material to a Minor under 13 Years.
“Prosecuting child molesters is a top priority for my office. The nature of these crimes, however, can make it very difficult for a child to testify about his or her abuse at the hands of an adult in whom they trusted. The victim in this case has ensured that Mr. Trull will not have an opportunity to offend for a very long time,” said Welch.
“I also wish to thank Assistant District Attorney Kate Wren, Chief Assistant District Attorney Jeff Jones, Sheriff Greg Christopher, Detective Heath Justice, and the team at the KARE House for their dedication and hard work. Their commitment to these cases is incredibly important,” said Welch.
