Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, February 11, 1995                   TAG: 9502140031
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: SARAH HUNTLEY
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

MAN SENTENCED IN SEX ASSAULTS ON 4-YEAR-OLD

Stephen Roland King, 52, of Cresthill Drive pleaded guilty in November to three counts of aggravated sexual battery. Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Randy Leach said the charges stemmed from a series of offenses that took place over seven months.

At Friday's sentencing hearing, a Roanoke County Circuit judge ordered King to serve 31 months for each count, bringing his total sentence to seven years and eight months. His prison term will be followed by five years of probation.

In exchange for King's guilty plea to three counts, prosecutors dropped a fourth charge. Leach entered into the plea agreement with King so the child would not have to testify, he said.

The child told authorities she was assaulted more than once at King's home and at a truck stop that police believe is located in Montgomery County, Leach said.

King faces one felony charge for exposure in Montgomery County Circuit Court, but a hearing date has not been set.