Jury Finds Muskogee Co. Couple Guilty Of Sexually Abusing 5-Year-Old Girl

Jurors find a Muskogee couple guilty of sexually abuse a five-year-old girl. While prosecutors said the verdict is a win, the girl's father wants a harsher sentence.

The Muskogee County District Attorney's Office said this trial was emotional and tense.

The girl's father, Jason, said the past year has been a nightmare, after learning his daughter was sexually abused by two people he trusted, Ronnie Sly and Krystal Hurt. His daughter was just five years old at the time.

"Once she told her teachers, it was all downhill from there. People did forensic tests on her and it did come back that she's been messed with," Jason said. 

On Tuesday, a jury found Sly guilty of child sex abuse and Hurt was convicted for allowing that abuse to happen. 

The jury recommended Sly get 20 years in prison and Hurt get three years. Jason said he wants to see more jail time, since Sly had three previous domestic related felony convictions.

"It's just a sick, sick situation," Jason said. 

Muskogee County Assistant District Attorney Jessie Heidlage said her office works cases involving children often, but they rarely go to trial. She said she's happy with the jury's decision.

"When we take the case for jury trial, we have no idea what the outcome might be, and that's precisely what happened in this case. Also, because it involves a child, it's an extremely serious case with serious charges," Heidlage explained. 

Jason said his daughter is now in counseling and it will be a long road to recovery. 

"Don't ever give up, just keep fighting. Just hold your babies tight," Jason said.

A judge will sentence Sly and Hurt next month.