An Aurora chiropractor has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a child over a period of 18 months, starting when she was 8 years old.
An Arapahoe County District court jury last week found Craig Martin Stice, 58, guilty of all eight Class 3 felonies with which he was charged, including four counts of sex assault on a child by a person in a position of trust, and four counts of sex assault on a child — pattern of abuse.
“Once again, a once-respected and trusted member of our community proves that he was never entitled to either respect or trust. He substituted his own lascivious urgings for the innocence of a small child,” said District Attorney George Brauchler. “I am impressed with the courage of this little girl and disgusted that her offender would force her into such a position to be so courageous. To those who refuse to stop molesting our children: Stop now. Get help. What you do is criminal. It is evil. If you do not stop, we will continue to aggressively and appropriately prosecute you and hold you accountable.”
Brauchler added: “To the community, know that there are those out there who seek to further minimize the consequences for this abhorrent behavior. Be aware that this next legislative session likely will see attempts to reduce the consequences for those who commit such acts as these. Such efforts will not better protect our children, nor will it make us a better people.”
The girl met Stice through her parents. In May 2017, the girl told her mother about the crimes. The mother contacted the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, which investigated and referred the case to the District Attorney’s Office.
After a four-day trial, the jury deliberated five hours before finding Stice guilty on all counts on Nov. 16.
Because the case went to trial, the young victim took the stand. Deputy District Attorney Tara Buchalter, who prosecuted the case, praised the girl’s courage.
“Not only did this defendant sexually assault his victim, but he also cowardly refused to take responsibility for his actions, forcing her to recount her ordeal in front of strangers,” Buchalter said. “She found an inner courage and gave strong and truthful testimony, ensuring that this man will be held accountable and kept away from other potential victims.”
Stice is being held without bond until his sentencing, set for Jan. 17, 2019. As a sex offender, Stice faces an indeterminate sentence; the presumptive sentencing range for each Class 3 felony is 8-24 years.
