JeffCo Caregiver Found Guilty Of Sex Abuse Of At-Risk Boys

GOLDEN, CO – A Jefferson County jury found guilty a man accused of sexually abusing five at-risk boys with whom he worked as a child case worker.

Wayne William Sexton, 55, was found guilty May 10 of multiple counts of sexual assault of a child by a person in a position of trust, as well as contributing to delinquency of a minor and unlawful sexual contact, the JeffCo District Attorney's Office said Monday.

Sexton assaulted the boys while working as a foster parent and caregiver at the Bridgeway group home, 9820 W. 21st Ave. in Lakewood. He allegedly lured youths in his care with gifts, cigarettes, marijuana, meth and pornography, arrest affidavits showed.

After allegedly sexually abusing him, Sexton reportedly told one of his boy victims, age 15, "that no one would believe him if he came forward," according to the affidavit.

Sexton was employed by Savio House, a Jefferson County non-profit paid more than $13 million by various government and charity agencies, including Jefferson County Human Services, to house and mentor underage at-risk youth, KDVR Fox31 first reported.

Savio quietly fired Sexton when he was accused of the sexual assaults in October of 2018.

The jury deliberated just over two hours before they returned their verdict on May 10, 2019, the DA's office said.

“Each of these boys was severely traumatized by the abuse at the hands of a man they trusted and looked up to,” said DA Pete Weir in a press release. “This verdict is a step towards helping these young victims heal.”

Sexton is being held without bond at JeffCo jail. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 24. He faces "multiple, mandatory indeterminate prison sentences of 8 to 24 years to life," the DA's office said.

Related: JeffCo Caregiver Charged With Sex Abuse Of At-Risk Boys