Sep 8, 2014 2 min read

A South Carolina man accused of sexually assaulting two young girls pleaded guilty Monday and was sentenced in Washington County Court.

William R. Strauch was among several defendants to go before Washington County Common Pleas Judge John F. DiSalle for jury selection. Strauch was tried on a host of sex charges in June 2013, but the jury could not reach a verdict after the four-day trail. Instead of being retried, Strauch accepted an agreement in which he pleaded guilty to two counts each of endangering the welfare of children, corruption of minors and indecent exposure.

Strauch was arrested in October 2012 accused of exposing himself and fondling two girls. One girl told police she was 10 or 11 years old when the first incident took place, and the alleged assaults occurred between 1999 and 2002. The other accuser told police the alleged sexual abuse started when she was 3 or 4 years old.

Brian Gorman, one of two attorneys representing Strauch, said Strauch previously lived in Canonsburg before moving south.

As ordered, Strauch will spend 30 days in Washington County jail, followed by 17 years of probation. Strauch is not allowed to have contact with the victims, is not to reside with minors and must undergo mental health treatment. Strauch’s probation will be transferred to South Carolina.

Traci McDonald, deputy district attorney, said the victims just wanted to hear Strauch admit guilt.