Maryville Man Convicted on All 15 Counts in Child Sexual Abuse Trial

BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. — A Blount County jury has unanimously convicted a Maryville man on all 15 charges against him following a four-day child sexual abuse trial.

Blount County District Attorney General Ryan Desmond announced that James Kilgo Jr. was found guilty of four counts of rape, four counts of incest, four counts of criminal exposure to HIV and three counts of coercion of a witness.

Kilgo was convicted on every count as charged in the indictment. The jury also imposed the maximum fine on each count, totaling $295,000.

The charges stemmed from an October 2022 investigation by the Blount County Sheriff’s Office Child Abuse Unit, which authorities said revealed Kilgo was sexually abusing a minor child in the home.

Desmond said prosecutors hope the verdict provides a sense of justice and closure for the victim and their loved ones. He also thanked the jury, the court, New Hope Children’s Advocacy Center and the Blount County Sheriff’s Office for their roles in the case, while specifically recognizing the victim’s bravery throughout the legal process.

A sentencing hearing for Kilgo has been scheduled for Nov. 4.

Assistant District Attorney Ashley Salem led the prosecution, while Detective Magahn Mattocks with the Blount County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division served as the lead investigator.