Three Life Sentences Secured for Child Predator

AG: Kentucky News Releases

Filed March 26th, 2026

Detected March 26th, 2026

Summary

The Kentucky Attorney General's Office announced that Harrison Cress, convicted of sexually assaulting multiple children, received three life sentences without parole. The sentencing follows a jury's recommendation and highlights the successful prosecution of a child predator.

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What changed

The Kentucky Attorney General's Office has secured three life sentences without parole for Harrison Cress, a 58-year-old Perry County man convicted of multiple counts of Sodomy First Degree, Incest, and Sexual Abuse First Degree, all involving children under 12. The sentences were delivered by a Perry County Circuit Judge, aligning with a jury's recommendation made the previous year. This action represents a significant victory in prosecuting severe child sexual abuse cases.

This outcome underscores the importance of survivors reporting abuse and the collaborative efforts of law enforcement, prosecutors, and victim advocacy centers. While this is a final sentencing, it serves as a strong deterrent and a message to survivors that their voices are heard and that the justice system can provide protection. The case involved investigations by the Kentucky State Police and support from the Perry County Sheriff's Office, with prosecution led by Assistant Attorneys General and victim services provided by the Attorney General's Office of Victim's Advocacy.

What to do next

Review internal procedures for handling child abuse cases.
Ensure collaboration protocols with law enforcement and advocacy centers are robust.
Reinforce victim support services in child abuse prosecutions.

Penalties

Three life sentences with no possibility of parole.

Source document (simplified)

AG's Office Secures Three Life Sentences for Child Predator

Lauren Adams Lauren.Adams@ky.gov https://ag.ky.gov/ 1024 Capital Center Drive Frankfort KY 40601 FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 26, 2026) – Attorney General Russell Coleman announced today that a Perry County man previously convicted of sexually assaulting multiple children received three life sentences with no possibility of parole.

On Thursday, a Perry County Circuit Judge delivered the sentence recommended last year by a jury. In October, Harrison Cress, 58, was found guilty on two counts of Sodomy First Degree, Child Under 12 (Class A Felony), one count of Incest, Child Under 12 (Class A Felony) and three counts of Sexual Abuse First Degree, Child Under 12 (Class C Felony). Because of the heinous nature of the crimes, the jury recommended three life sentences.

Cress groomed multiple children, building trust so he could exploit and abuse them. After years of abuse, one of the children bravely reported the abuse to her grandmother. The Children’s Advocacy Centers in Ashland and Hazard interviewed the victims, providing information leading to the arrest.

Five children provided victim statements for today’s sentencing, detailing the horrors they endured. One letter read, “What you did to me was not right…I am happy you’re in jail.” A young relative who suffered abuse at Cress’ hands wrote, “I couldn’t understand why someone so close to me hurt me.”

“When those who harm our kids are held accountable, it tells every survivor their voice matters and that the justice system can protect them,” said Attorney General Coleman. “I’m deeply grateful to the Children’s Advocacy Center professionals, law enforcement, prosecutors and advocates who worked with these children to help them find their voice and the courage to put this monster behind bars.”

The Kentucky State Police investigated the case with support from the Perry County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant Attorneys General Barbara Whaley and Tony Skeans prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. McCall Allen with the Attorney General’s Office of Victim’s Advocacy provided services to the victims.

Download Cress’s photo.