Boston man indicted for rape, sexual abuse of victim under 16

STAFF REPORT

Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010, 4 p.m. – A Boston resident was indicted by a Nelson Circuit Court grand jury on Wednesday, Nov. 17, for sexual crimes against a person under 16 years of age.

According to the indictment, on or about Sept. 25, 2010, Stephen Lynn Beam, Jr., 21, allegedly committed the offense of third-degree rape when he, being 21 years of age or older, engaged in sexual intercourse with an individual under 16 years of age.

Beam was also indicted for allegedly committing the offense of second-degree sexual abuse for being at least 18 years old but less than 21 years old and engaging in sexual contact with another person under the age of 16 on or about the 25th day of September, 2010.

Bail was set at $9,500 cash only, plus conditions. Beam is scheduled for arraignment on Dec. 2 at 1 p.m. in Nelson Circuit Court.

Third-degree rape is a Class D felony, which carries a penalty of at least one but not more than five years in prison.  Second-dgree sexual abuse is a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a penalty of 90 days to 12 months in prison.

Editor’s Note: The indictment of a person by a grand jury or otherwise is an accusation only and that person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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