Woodburn man found guilty on rape charges

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. –  A Woodburn man has been found guilty on charges related to a rape case.

Last week, Jerry Ward, 42, of Woodburn was found guilty of two counts of first-degree rape, criminal attempt to use a minor in a sexual performance and two counts of first-degree attempted unlawful transaction with a minor – victim less than 16, according to Commonwealth’s attorney Kori Beck Bumgarner.

Bumgarner says a sentence of 15 years was recommended on each rape to run consecutively for a sentence of 30 years. In addition, the jury recommended the other counts running concurrently for a total sentence of 30 years.

Officials say Ward will be eligible for parole after serving 20 years.

He will be a lifetime registrant on the Kentucky Sexual Offender Registry and be required to complete Sexual Offender Treatment.

Sentencing for Ward’s case is set for Aug. 7 in Warren Circuit Court, Division 2.