The Maine Supreme Judicial Court has affirmed the conviction of William Bradbury for unlawful sexual touching and indecent conduct against two minors. The court ruled on September 17, 2026, that there was sufficient evidence to support the jury's verdict, which found Bradbury guilty of these charges stemming from incidents that occurred in the summer of 2023. This ruling is significant as it underscores the court's stance on protecting minors from sexual offenses and ensuring that such cases are handled with the seriousness they deserve.
Bradbury, who was 62 years old at the time of the offenses, was accused of exposing himself and engaging in inappropriate sexual conduct towards two sisters, aged 13 and 16, during their visits to his home and while swimming in a nearby river. The case drew attention not only for its disturbing nature but also for the legal arguments surrounding the evidence presented at trial.
The dispute began when the State of Maine charged Bradbury with six offenses in May 2024, including two counts of unlawful sexual touching and four counts of indecent conduct. He pleaded not guilty, and the case proceeded to trial in March 2025. The prosecution presented evidence that included testimonies from the victims, detailing incidents where Bradbury exposed himself and touched one of the sisters while she was asleep.
During the trial, Bradbury's defense argued that there was insufficient evidence regarding the victims' lack of acquiescence to his actions. He claimed that the younger sister did not resist or object to the touching, which he believed should negate the charges. However, the court found that the circumstances surrounding the incidents indicated a clear lack of consent.
In its ruling, the court stated, "The record contains sufficient evidence for the jury to rationally find each element of unlawful sexual touching... The jury was presented with evidence... of a thirteen- or fourteen-year-old child who fell asleep and was left alone at the home of a sixty-two-year-old adult." This statement highlights the court's emphasis on the vulnerability of the victims and the seriousness of Bradbury's actions.
The court also addressed a procedural issue raised by Bradbury's defense regarding the late disclosure of evidence by the State. The prosecution had obtained sexually explicit images from Bradbury's phone shortly before the trial and intended to use them for impeachment purposes. Bradbury's defense argued that this late disclosure violated his right to a fair trial. However, the court ruled that the trial judge did not abuse their discretion in allowing the late-disclosed evidence to be used during cross-examination, as it was relevant to the case.
The court noted, "Although we conclude that the court did not abuse its discretion, the State’s conduct in this case is concerning..." This acknowledgment reflects the court's awareness of the importance of adhering to discovery rules and the potential implications for future cases.
The ruling has significant implications for how similar cases may be handled in the future. It reinforces the importance of protecting minors in legal proceedings and ensures that evidence is thoroughly reviewed and disclosed in a timely manner. The decision could serve as a precedent for future cases involving sexual offenses against minors, emphasizing the need for rigorous standards in both prosecution and defense.
Looking ahead, it remains to be seen whether Bradbury will seek to appeal the court's decision. The court's ruling does not preclude further legal action, and the possibility of an appeal could arise depending on the legal strategies employed by his defense team. Additionally, there may be related cases pending that could further clarify the legal standards surrounding sexual offenses against minors.
In conclusion, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court's decision to uphold William Bradbury's conviction highlights the court's commitment to addressing sexual offenses against minors with the seriousness they deserve. The ruling not only affirms the jury's verdict but also sets a precedent for future cases, ensuring that victims' rights are protected and that offenders are held accountable for their actions.