Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announces that yesterday a jury convicted Lawrence resident Ronald E. Throne, 31, of two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, electronic solicitation, indecent liberties with a child, lewd and lascivious behavior and promoting obscenity to minors.  

Investigation into the case began on Monday, May 30, 2016 when an officer with the Lawrence Police Department was dispatched to a residence in Lawrence.  It was learned through the investigation that Throne had committed multiple sexual crimes against a 15-year- old victim. 

Throne’s jury trial began in the Division Three courtroom on Monday, November 6 with jury selection.  Opening statements were delivered Monday afternoon.  The case continued throughout Tuesday and into Wednesday.  Closing arguments were delivered late Wednesday morning and the jury deliberated for about two and a half hours before returning its verdict.

Throne faces 55 to 247 months in prison for the first three convictions, 31-136 months in prison for the fourth conviction, five to 17 months in prison for the fifth conviction and up to one year in jail for the sixth conviction.  His actual sentence will depend on his prior criminal history.  The Court ordered a pre-sentence investigation be completed and scheduled him to be sentenced on December 12 at 9:00 a.m.

The Honorable Barbara Kay Huff presided over the case.  It was investigated by the Lawrence Police Department and it was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Alice Walker.           

*Rule 226 - Kansas Rules of Professional Conduct

3.6 Advocate: Trial Publicity

3.8 Advocate: Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor

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