Hubbard Found Guilty on All Counts of Predatory Sexual Assault of a Child

Effingham resident Martin Hubbard has been found guilty of all eight counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child under age 13.

An Effingham County jury began deliberations at 12:19pm and returned the guilty verdict on all counts at 2:30pm. 

Sentencing for Hubbard and a hearing on any post-trial motions is set for 1pm on September 20. Hubbard could receive a sentence of natural life in prison.

The jury heard two days of testimony before closing arguments were heard today. The prosecution concluded its case on Wednesday afternoon. The defense did not present a case.

In his close, Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler said of touching of the four young children by Hubbard and their touching his genital area, "The boys said these things happened, Martin Hubbard said these things happened, and the physical evidence supports that it happened."

The defense contended that there was no proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the touching was done for Hubbard's sexual gratification.