The Selma Times-Journal

John Cowan, 54, received 10 years each in a Perry County Court for two counts of sexually abusing a 9-year-old and 11-year-old.

Judge Jack Meigs handed down the sentence Thursday.

Cowan, of Uniontown, was found guilty on Nov. 29, 2005, in Circuit Court. Because he was out on bond at the time of the decision, Meigs was allowed to remain on bond until sentencing. Cowan’s sentence began Tuesday.

Cowan was found guilty of abusing two young girls in July 2004. He was arrested on July 31 and charged with two counts of first-degree sexual abuse in the case.

Prosecutors in the case were pleased with the outcome.

District attorney Michael Jackson said his office is taking a firm stance on sex abuse crimes and this case is an example of that.

“We’re not going to tolerate anybody committing rape or child molestation,” he said at the time of the conviction. “These criminals are going to be shipped off.”

Cowan was allowed to remain free on bond in the case.

Cowan’s attorney, William T. Fail, of Selma, said the practice was common.

“That’s standard stuff,” he said.

Fail said only “one in 25 cases” actually begin sentencing when a plea is entered.

Prosecutor in the case, Shannon Lynch, was happy with the verdict, and promised to continue crusading for the rights of children on behalf of the District Attorney’s office.

“Don’t mess with kids in one of my counties,” she warned.