GREENFIELD, Ind. — A Greenfield man entrusted with caring for children was sentenced to 74 years in prison after being convicted of molesting multiple minors. Jericho Lee Marvin Johnson, 27, was found guilty on 10 counts of molestation, battery, and confinement following a June bench trial in Hancock Superior Court 1.
Judge D.J. Davis handed down the sentence Friday after a lengthy hearing where victims and their families delivered emotional testimonies. Johnson, wearing an orange jail jumpsuit, sat silently as children as young as 10 years old described the trauma he inflicted.
Victims Speak: “I Hate Your Guts”
A 10-year-old girl bravely read her statement in court:
“Jericho, I hate your guts, and I hope you get sentenced for 50 years… I’ve been in therapy because of this.”
Another 10-year-old boy recounted:
“When I was 8, Jericho touched me inappropriately. Since then, I’ve been scared and full of anxiety.”
Parents described how their once happy, energetic children became withdrawn, suffering from panic attacks, self-harm, and emotional distress. One mother said:
“His actions changed my son forever. He used to be empathetic and full of life—now he’s just sad and mad.”
Prosecution: “A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing”
Chief Deputy Prosecutor Aimee Herring argued Johnson groomed families and children while working at:
- YMCA after-school programs (J.B. Stephens & Mt. Comfort Elementary)
- Shining Stars Child Care Academy
She requested 92 years, calling Johnson a “grotesque breach of humanity.”
“Nine brave children testified about things no child should ever have to discuss.”
Defense: Autism & Appeal Planned
Public Defender Jeremy Teipen argued Johnson, who has high-functioning autism, deserved rehabilitation, not a life sentence. His father testified that Johnson struggled after his mother’s 2021 death but was “once a helpful child.”
Judge Davis rejected the defense’s plea, stating:
“You knew right from wrong. The facts prove you’re guilty.”
Sentence Breakdown
Johnson received consecutive terms, including:
- Eight years (Count 1 – Child Molestation)
- Ten years (Count 3 – Child Molestation)
- Five years (Count 5 – Confinement)
- Eleven years (Count 10 – Child Molestation)
He must also register as a violent sexual offender and has no-contact orders with victims.
What’s Next?
Teipen confirmed Johnson will appeal. Meanwhile, probation officer Cameron Mayes warned:
“He’s a high-risk repeat offender—I’ve never scored anyone this dangerous.”
For now, 18 affected families hope this sentencing brings closure. As one mother declared:
“His actions changed lives, but he no longer has power over us.”
