Cercy receives prison sentence

Last Wednesday in Natrona County District Court, Tony Cercy received a six to eight year prison sentence during proceedings that lasted more than two hours..

Cercy was found guilty of third-degree sexual assault by a Hot Springs County jury on Nov. 21. He had been acquitted of two additional counts — first-degree sexual assault and second-degree sexual assault — in Natrona County, where he molested a woman while she slept on a couch in his residence. Jurors there did not reach a unanimous decision for the third-degree charge, resulting in a change of venue to Hot Springs County.

When the verdict against Cercy was read in November, friends and family in attendance were visibly shaken. A motion was granted to hold Cercy without bond, as Natrona County District Curt Judge Daniel Forgey determined facts related to the crime and Cercy’s available resources made him a flight risk.

In a similar fashion, it was ordered Cercy would not be released on bond prior to his sentence beginning, as he has the means to run. He will be eligible for parole in three years, and has filed a notice of appeal in the case. In addition to his prison time, he will be required to register as a sex offender.

As for the time needed for the sentencing, it was scheduled to allow for additional statements from the prosecution and defense, as well as victim impact statements.

There was no information available Monday as to whether Cercy would receive time off for good behavior or the status of his appeal.