Jury finds Cercy guilty of sexual assault

Shortly before 11 a.m. Wednesday morning a verdict of guilty was delivered to Hot Springs District Court on a charge of third-degree sexual assault against Tony Cercy.

According to the charge, Cercy molested a female subject while she slept on a couch in his home.

Cercy was acquitted of two additional counts — first-degree sexual assault and second-degree sexual assault — in Natrona County, though jurors there did not reach a unanimous decision for the third-degree charge, causing the change of venue to Hot Springs County.

Friends and family of Cercy were visibly shaken by the verdict after it was read and the jury was polled with all members affirming this was their decision. Natrona County District Court Judge Daniel Forgey expressed appreciation to the jury for their service, noting they are a key component of the functioning judicial process.

Following the verdict reading, the prosecution made a motion Cercy be held without bond. The defense argued Cercy has strong ties to Natrona County and is not a flight risk. However, Judge Forgey determined due to facts related to his bond and the crime, as well as his available resources, Cercy was indeed a flight risk and ordered him held without bond.

Sentencing for Cercy will be scheduled at a later date. He faces maximum penalties of 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.