A man repeatedly forced a girl to perform sexual acts before letting her play video games, prosecutors said

ONEONTA, Ala. (WBRC/Gray News) – An Alabama man has been convicted after repeatedly forcing a child to perform sexual acts on him in exchange for letting her play video games.

In March 2019, a 10-year-old told police that 42-year-old Dustin Lamar Peoples sexually abused her from August 7, 2018, through Christmas of that year, WBRC reported.

Days later, she was interviewed at the Blount County Children’s Center.

“She was innocent,” said District Attorney Pamela L. Casey. “She didn’t know the common words that adults or even teenagers would use to describe what had happened to her.” She spoke as a child. As an innocent child. Dustin Peoples stole this child’s innocence.”

A grand jury indicted Dustin Lamar Peoples in August 2019 and he remained out of prison until his trial began this week.

During his trial, prosecutors said Peoples exposed the child to sexual contact by touching her private parts. They also presented evidence that Peoples forced the girl to perform oral sex on at least four occasions.

Prosecutors also forced the child to perform oral sex on him before allowing the child to play video games on his gaming console.

Peoples took the stand in his own defense and denied any inappropriate contact with the child.

Peoples was found guilty this week of one count each of sexual abuse of a child under 12 and first-degree sodomy.

After the verdict was announced, District Judge Greg Reid remanded Peoples to the custody of the Blount County Sheriff’s Department pending sentencing.

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