Rick Couch / News Editor

One month after pleading guilty to two counts of sexual abuse Uniontown resident John Cowan was sentenced to two 10-year sentences at the Perry County Courthouse Thursday.

Shannon Lynch, who represented the district attorney’s office, said the ruling was the norm for a Class C felony. She also felt the sentence should carry a punishment more appropriate to the crime.

“That is the maximum sentence unfortunately, because sexual abuse is only a Class C felony,” Lynch said. “It should be higher.”

Lynch also said the odds of Cowan serving the entire sentence were slim.

The incident took place on July 31, 2004 when Cowan, 54, initiated forcible sexual contact with a 9 and 11-year-old victim. Cowan was an uncle to both victims by marriage.

The incidents happened several times,

Lynch said, but finally the victims spoke up.

“They were strong enough to come forward,” Lynch said.

After charges were filed, Cowan was indicted in June 2005. On Nov. 29, 2005 Cowan pled guilty to both counts in Perry County Circuit Court.

Following the conviction, Fourth Circuit District Attorney Michael Jackson said his office is committed to keeping sex offenders off the streets.

“We are going to make sure criminal molesters of children and women are going to be sent away for a long time,” Jackson said.

Cowan’s defense attorney, Billy Faile, said they were just happy to have things moving forward one way or the other.

“We are glad to get this behind our client so he can get on with his life,” Faile said. “There’s really not a lot to say about this.”