After Matthew Rose opted to plead guilty to two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child and two counts of Indecency with a Child, a Wilson County jury heard evidence, including the testimony of the two children he admitted molesting. The defendant was a family friend to both victims’ families. The defendant faced anywhere from 5 years to life in prison for the sexual assaults, and 2 to 20 years for the Indecency with a Child counts. Rose received Life in Prison on both counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault and 20 years for each count of Indecency with a Child. While we asked for the sentences to be stacked, the judge opted to run the sentences concurrently. Rose will be eligible for parole after 30 years. We are so proud of our child victims for having the courage, strength, and willingness to report this, as well as testify to the jury. We appreciate the jury for wanting to ensure that no further children are harmed by Mr. Rose. I am grateful for the service and dedication of the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, in particular Deputy Fitz, as well as my prosecutors, Marc Ledet and Lorena Whitney.
