John Brian Shepherd

John Brian Shepherd, 58, of Middlebourne was convicted by a jury on Nov. 21 on 17 counts of sexual abuse during a four-day trial before Marshall County Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey Cramer.

Tyler County Prosecutor Luke Furbee said a sentencing date will be set after a pre-sentence investigation and report is conducted by the probation office.

Furbee said Shepherd faces a potential maximum sentence of 225 to 750 years in prison and fines of up to $185,000.

Furbee said more than 20 witnesses were called during the trial. Before all the charges were sent to the jury, he said he dismissed three of the charges, which gave the jury 17 to consider.

“I believe justice was done and I’m appreciative of all the help I received. My staff worked hard on this case for the last 42 and a half months,” he said. “I appreciate Deputy Mitch Corley for all of his work. I believe justice was done and I’m glad justice was done.”

Furbee explained the change of venue for the trial:

“His motion for change of venue was granted in September 2023 due to the court’s opinion that a fair and impartial jury could never be impaneled here in Tyler County, based on responses received on questionnaires sent to a pool of prospective jurors for a trial scheduled that month,” he said.

Shepherd was originally indicted on the following charges: sexual assault in the first degree; eight counts of sexual abuse by a guardian; two counts of sexual abuse in the first degree; one count of sexual abuse by a parent; and one count of incest.

Shepherd was originally set to go on trial in August but fled from his home confinement while out on bond. After he was captured he was kept in jail. He is scheduled to be arraigned for the felony escape from custody charge at 9:15 a.m. Dec. 17 in Tyler County.

For allegedly helping her son escape, Shepherd’s 78-year-old mother, Betty Jean Shepherd of Middlebourne, is facing the charge of felony escape from custody/aider and abettor. She has already pleaded innocent to the charge. Tyler County Circuit Court Judge Richard Wilson set a status hearing for her case at 10:15 a.m. Dec. 17. Furbee is prosecuting her case.