Middlebury man sentenced to 140 years for child abuse

Oct. 18—GOSHEN — More than a decade after he was accused of molesting a family member, 47-year-old Phillip J. Beachey has been sentenced to 140 years in prison.

Beachey was found guilty in Elkhart County Superior Court of 3 of 10 counts of child molestation and sexual misconduct with a minor after the victim, now an adult, explained to the court in graphic detail the events and trauma Beachey endured between 2014 and 2018 had inflicted.

Elkhart County Superior Court Judge Teresa Cataldo said the first reported incident occurred when the victim was just 10 years old and continued until she was 14.

The Indiana Department of Child Services did not receive reports until February 2020 after the victim told another family member about the actions, which led to forensic interviews, according to court documents.

Beachey denies the allegations and told the court he plans to appeal the verdict.

Hospital records confirmed the presence of assault-related injuries that had healed on the victim’s body, court documents said.

During the sentencing, prosecutors read a statement from the victim to Beachey.

“I honestly thought I would be more bitter, but I think I fought for my voice all these years and finally found peace,” the statement said. “I do not condone what you did to me and I cannot forget the pain, suffering and trauma you have caused not only me, but others as well.

“But I have learned to forgive you, not for your benefit, but for mine. I am a confident and successful woman, and I am no longer afraid of you or what you can do to me because I am able to rise above it all.”

Beachey was convicted on all 10 counts: – Three counts of child molestation where the suspect is at least 21 years old, a level 1 felony. – Three counts of child molestation, fondling or touching a child under 14, a level 1 felony 4. – Four counts of sexual misconduct involving a minor defendant having intercourse or engaging in other sexual activity, a Level 4 felony.

Together, the sentences, which will be served consecutively, add up to 140 years.

Dani Messick is the education and entertainment reporter for The Goshen News. She can be reached at [email protected] or at 574-538-2065.