LIHUE — A Fifth Circuit jury today found Steven Westerman guilty of five counts of sexual assault in the first degree, all class A felonies, for multiple acts committed against his then six-year-old stepdaughter in 1995 through 1997. Westerman, 39,
LIHUE — A Fifth Circuit jury today found Steven Westerman guilty of five counts of sexual assault in the first degree, all class A felonies, for multiple acts committed against his then six-year-old stepdaughter in 1995 through 1997.
Westerman, 39, of Kekaha, was taken into custody after the verdict was read in open court this afternoon. Fifth Circuit Chief Judge Randal G.B. Valenciano presided over the week-long trial. Craig A. De Costa, Esq., represented Westerman and the case was prosecuted by First Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jennifer S. Winn. Detective Todd Tanaka was the lead KPD investigator in the case.
Prosecuting Attorney Justin F. Kollar stated “We thank the jurors for their service in this case. We hope this verdict makes it clear that sexual abuse of children is something we take very seriously and will not abide in this community.”
Westerman’s sentencing is set for April 28.
