Mail carrier pleads guilty to sex abuse
FLORALA, Ala. — A letter carrier who lives in Baker awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting an elderly lady while delivering her mail.
Jerry Hutcheson, who was also pastor of Red Oak Baptist Church in Baker, was working in Florala, Ala. when the abuse took place in November 2004. He is in his early 50s.
He pleaded guilty to first-degree sexual abuse, according to a release from the office of Alabama Attorney General Troy King.
The sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 5. Hutcheson faces from one to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $15,000. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.
Hutcheson stopped by the 86-year-old victim’s home to deliver a package and then sat down inside to chat. According to an interview with a Florala police investigator, Hutcheson then took the woman’s hand in his hand and placed it on her breast. The woman also reported that Hutcheson’s pants were unzipped.
Hutcheson was arrested Jan. 13, 2007. He was placed on administrative leave from the U.S. Postal Service after the incident was reported in 2004.