Jury splits verdict in Troy child sex abuse trial

TROY — A Troy man was found guilty of sex crimes against one child victim and not guilty of the same crimes against another at the conclusion of a jury trial Thursday.

Prosecutors say Elliot Wells had repeated sexual contact with a child over a two-anda-half year period from June 2015 through January 2018 at his home in Troy. The child was 7 when the assaults allegedly begun.

On Thursday, a jury found him guilty of predatory sexual assault of a child, course of sexual conduct against a child, and endangering the welfare of a child, according to the Rensselaer County District Attorney’s Office.

They found him not guilty of the same charges as they related to a second victim.

Wells faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life at his sentencing, scheduled Nov. 1 before County Judge Jennifer G. Sober. He was sent to the county jail while he awaits sentencing.

“This defendant stole the innocence of a child victim by repeatedly subjecting the child to sexual assault,” said District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly. “Hopefully this conviction will allow the child to heal and move forward with their life knowing that we were able to hold this defendant accountable for his reprehensible and criminal acts.”

Wells’ attorney Shane Hug said he was “profoundly disappointed” by the verdict, which came after three and a half days of deliberation.

“I believe my client is innocent and it has been a terrifying experience defending someone who you wholeheartedly believe is innocent but is found guilty anyway,” he said.

He said he plans to file a motion to have the verdict set aside prior to sentencing, and if that fails will file an appeal.