St. Bernard District Attorney, Perry Nicosia, announced that Hugh Gilliam, a 32-year-old man, was convicted of Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile and Sexual Battery of a juvenile under the age of 13. The conviction was reached by a jury that deliberated about three hours on May 6, 2021. The trial lasted three days and was presided over by state District Judge Eric Bopp. The victim was a complete stranger to Gilliam.
Nicosia said, “The defendant committed a reprehensible and terrifying assault on a vulnerable victim who had the courage to confront her attacker in court. The defendant has now been brought to justice and held accountable for his actions.”
Gilliam faces up to a total of 124 years in prison. The sentence range under Louisiana law for Sexual Battery of a Juvenile under the age of 13 is 25 – 99 years in prison and for Indecent Behavior, with a Juvenile, the sentencing range is 2 – 25 years. Gilliam is set for sentencing on June 22nd by Judge Bopp.
District Attorney Perry M. Nicosia commented after the trial, that “I’m pleased with the guilty verdicts on both counts handed down by the St. Bernard jurors. Our office will continue to work closely with the Sheriff’s Office to ensure sexual predators and violent criminals are brought to trial and convicted.” He further expressed his appreciation for the residents of St. Bernard for showing up for jury duty which is a vital part of our criminal justice system.
Nicosia is proud to recognize Assistant District Attorneys Daniel Dysart Jr. and Ashton Licciardi for their hard work and expertise in prosecuting this case.
