After deliberating for nearly six hours, jurors found Puffenbarger guilty of first-degree sexual abuse on one count, not guilty on a second count, and not guilty of first-degree sexual abuse but guilty of battery on a third count.

 

Deliberations began at 8:50 a.m. and concluded at approximately 2:40 p.m. before the jury returned to the courtroom to announce its decision.

 

Following the verdict, Puffenbarger was remanded to the Potomac Highlands Regional Jail, where he will remain while awaiting sentencing.

 

Defense attorney J. Brent Easton told the court he will obtain a sex offender risk assessment as part of the sentencing process.

 

The judge informed Puffenbarger that the conviction requires lifetime registration as a sex offender. He also advised that Puffenbarger could face up to 50 years of extended supervision following any eventual release.

 

Under West Virginia law, first-degree sexual abuse carries a potential sentence of no less than five years and no more than 25 years in prison.

 

After the hearing concluded, Puffenbarger was escorted from the courtroom by bailiffs. His ankle monitoring device was removed by the Pendleton County Sheriff’s Department, and he was taken into custody to await sentencing.

 

A full trial rundown will appear in next Tuesday’s edition of the Grant County Press.