A Johnston County jury has found a 67 year-old man guilty of multiple counts of rape of a child, sex offense with a child, and taking indecent liberties with a child.
Harden Junior Viers of Willow Spring was arrested in August 2018 while on vacation in Virginia. He was returned to Johnston County and formally charged with the offenses involving two young children, ages 8 and 12. Some of the offenses occurred between 2 and 4 years prior to his arrest.
Last week, a jury found Viers guilty of the charges. Superior Court Judge Keith Gregory presided over the eight-day trial and sentenced the defendant to a minimum of 126 years and a maximum 177 years in prison.
“We are pleased with the verdicts and the sentence imposed,” stated Assistant District Attorney Paul Jackson. “Our hearts go out to the brave children who had the courage to disclose and testify in this case. Their lives will not be defined by the defendant’s actions but by the courage and strength they displayed in the face of incredible adversity. We thank lead Detective Michael Lambert and the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office for their hard work and the excellent investigation conducted in this case. We are also grateful to the Jurors for their service, intellect and thoughtful consideration.”
“Thankfully this sexual predator will never again be able to harm another child, and the Johnston County District Attorney’s Office will continue to aggressively pursue and bring to justice those who prey upon the children in our community,” Jackson said.
