Claypool Man Sentenced To Three Years For Child Molesting
WARSAW — A Claypool man was sentenced in Kosciusko Superior CourtOne Thursday, Sept. 26, to three years at the Indiana Department of Corrections after molesting a child.
Vincent Corey Banks, 56, 4873 E. SR 14, Claypool, was charged with child molesting, a class C felony. A vicarious sexual gratification charge was dismissed as part of a plea agreement.
The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office received information that a child was inappropriately touched by Banks. Child Protective Services and a KCSO officer spoke with the child, who said she liked touching herself and that Banks would talk to her about touching herself.
According to court documents, Banks and the child would help one another touch themselves. The child said these acts occurred for approximately two years.
Banks admitted that the child was five or six years old when this happened and that it occurred during a two-week time period.
“This criminal act was foolish,” said Banks during his sentencing. “My wife is a beautiful woman inside and out. And she blessed me with five kids. I hope my family can forgive me for all this.”
Defense Attorney Paul Refior said Banks is currently living at The Potter’s Recovery House in Fort Wayne and asked Judge David Cates to consider probation as part of Banks’ sentence.
“Vince is a good man and a good worker,” said Refior. “But I won’t deny that what he did is disgusting. Yet I believe that he has genuinely owned up to his crimes and is repentant and remorseful. So I would respectfully suggest part of his sentence allow for probation so that Mr. Banks can continue getting help at The Potter’s House.”
Cates sentenced Banks to five years at the Indiana Department of Corrections, with two years suspended on probation. Banks is allowed to serve the probationary part of his sentence at The Potter’s House.
A no-contact order was also established between Banks and the victim in this case.
“You have no criminal history, but this wasn’t a mistake,” said Cates. “That was all a series of choices. Forgiveness is between you and your family.”
Banks was formerly associated with Rise-n’-Roll Bakery, Warsaw.