A man from Jacksonville has received a life sentence after admitting guilt on Wednesday to two charges of ongoing sexual abuse of a child, according to officials.
Charges have been filed against James Warnell Phillips of Jacksonville following an investigation that revealed he had engaged in the continuous sexual abuse of minors over a span of 11 years, as stated by the Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office.
The trial for Phillips commenced on November 12, and the attorney’s office reported that he altered his plea to guilty following just a day and a half of testimony. The jury is said to have delivered his life sentence in under an hour of discussion.
The prosecution of the case was led by Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Richey alongside Cherokee County District Attorney Elmer Beckworth.
“The success of this case hinged on skills and hard work of law enforcement and victim advocates. Their work is tireless, often thankless, and difficult. Too often it goes unrecognized. Without their dedication and perseverance these victims may not have gotten justice,” he said.
Beckworth expressed gratitude towards the Jacksonville Police Department, Detective Shawn Hays, Cherokee County Victim’s Assistance coordinator Regina Brooks, and the Cherokee County Children’s Advocacy Center.