A Barton County jury on Thursday convicted Joseph Wayne Cruse of nine Jessica’s Law sex offenses, and three additional counts of aggravated intimidation of a witness, for crimes committed over the span of seven years. Barton County Attorney Levi Morris reports jury selection began on Monday, July 15.

The State of Kansas presented evidence over three days, Morris stated in a news release. The defense did not present any evidence.

The jury heard closing arguments on July 18 and began deliberations just after 10 a.m. It reached a verdict around 3 p.m.

Following the jury’s verdict, District Court Judge Steve Johnson revoked Cruse’s bond and addressed his obligation to register as a sex offender. 

Sentencing in this matter will be scheduled at a later date. Each Jessica’s Law conviction carries a presumed life sentence with a mandatory 25 years before possible parole. 

The District Court case number is Case No. BT-2022-CR-203. The State of Kansas was represented by Assistant Barton County Attorney Mark Brinkworth and Barton County Attorney Morris. The defendant was represented by Cheryl Stewart.

The specific convictions include five counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, three counts of aggravated intimidation of a witness, one count of aggravated criminal sodomy, two counts of rape, and one count of attempted aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

According to police logs, a sex offense was reported at 10:59 a.m. on May 13, 2022, and Cruse was arrested on charges of rape, aggravated indecent liberties and aggravated criminal sodomy in lieu of a $1,000,000 bond.