GREENFIELD — An Athol man has been found guilty by a Franklin County Superior Court jury on 10 charges related to the sexual abuse of a minor, according to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office.
The verdict was delivered on Wednesday following a three-day trial and half a day of deliberations. Sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 2 p.m. in Franklin County Superior Court.
Kenneth Johnson, 63, was convicted of two counts of aggravated rape and abuse of a child; five counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 years old; and single counts of intimidation of a witness, attempting to commit a crime and accosting/annoying another person. He was found not guilty on a single count of intimidation of a witness.
The charges arose from repeated sexual abuse committed by Johnson between 2017 and 2020 against a female child who was under his care, according to the DA’s office. The abuse began when the girl was approximately 10 years old.
Each count of aggravated rape and abuse of a child carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life in state prison. Each count of indecent assault and battery on a child carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in state prison. Intimidation of a witness carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in state prison.
His wife, Shelley Johnson, 54, of Athol, was also tried in connection with the case. She was found guilty of one count of witness intimidation after evidence showed she instructed the girl not to report the abuse to police.
Assistant District Attorneys Lori Odierna and Stephanie Jimenez prosecuted the case, with Victim Witness Advocate Karen Hernandez working with the survivor. Kenneth Johnson was represented by attorneys Sean Smith and Rebecca Carter, while Shelley Johnson was represented by attorney Richard Farrell. Judge Deepika Shukla presided over the trial.
“I want to commend the victim, who, despite pressure from the defendants not to pursue this matter, showed tremendous courage and strength in coming forward and testifying. Her willingness to speak up ensured that justice could be served,” Odierna said in a statement. “We are grateful to Detective Sgt. Douglas Kaczmarczyk of the Athol Police Department for his thorough and compassionate investigation. His diligence and professionalism were critical in bringing this case to a successful resolution.”