Ferguson strikes new deal with prosecutors

The Eureka man accused of sexually abusing minors over the course of several years has struck a new plea deal with prosecutors.

William James Ferguson, 48, again pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual intercourse without consent in Lincoln County District Court on Oct. 19. In return, prosecutors will drop a sexual assault charge with prejudice.

Prosecutors will recommend that Ferguson serve two 20-year sentences with all but five years suspended on both. The two sentences will run consecutively, meaning Ferguson faces 10 years behind bars.

A previous plea deal — rejected by District Judge Matthew Cuffe last month — would have seen him serve two 20-year sentences concurrently with all but four years suspended. At the time, Cuffe told prosecutors and the defense team that he planned on imposing a harsher sentence than recommended, giving Ferguson the opportunity to withdraw his plea and either seek a new deal or bring his case to trial.

Cuffe accepted Ferguson’s most recent change of plea earlier this week. Although all parties were ready to move to sentencing, the judge opted to hold off for a week to give one or both of Ferguson’s victims a chance to speak to the court.

“We could possibly do sentencing today,” he told the courtroom. “I also know one of the victims in this case has diligently attended the two previous hearings in this case. I want to make sure she can attend the hearing and read a statement.”

Authorities charged Ferguson after he was caught using a ladder to watch a minor undress and shower through a window in February. According to court documents, he used a ladder to gain his vantage point.

During an interview with the victim, investigators learned the sexual abuse had begun years earlier, when she was nine. She recounted instances of him slipping into her bedroom and initiating groping and other inappropriate touching, court documents said. The assaults usually occurred after dark.

During a subsequent conversation with Ferguson, authorities say the man admitted to repeatedly assaulting the victim and using the ladder to watch her change her clothes and shower, according to court documents.

While the attached affidavit details the investigation into the February incident, which makes mention of one victim, amended information filed with in Lincoln County District Court makes mention of a second victim. Both were minors when Ferguson sexually assaulted them, according to charging documents.

Appearing in court via video link from the Lincoln County Detention Center on Oct. 19, Ferguson admitted to knowingly having sexual intercourse with both minors without consent.

Neither the prosecutorial or defense teams objected to Cuffe’s request to delay the sentencing by a week.

“I am going to give [the victim] a chance to be here,” he said.