GREENFIELD — On Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, a Franklin County Superior Court jury found Kenneth Johnson, 63, of Athol, guilty on 10 charges related to the years-long sexual abuse of a minor.
According to Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan, after a three-day trial and about a half day of deliberations, jurors found Johnson guilty of two counts of aggravated rape and abuse of a child; five counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14; and one count each of intimidation of a witness, attempt to commit a crime, and accosting or annoying another person.
Prosecutors say that the charges arose from Johnson’s repeated sexual abuse of a girl under his care from 2017 to 2020. Johnson began abusing the victim when she was about 10 years old.
Johnson’s wife, Shelley Johnson, 54, of Athol, was also tried in connection with the case and found guilty of one count of witness intimidation. Prosecutors said evidence showed she instructed the victim not to report the abuse to police.
Assistant District Attorneys Lori Odierna and Stephanie Jimenez prosecuted the case, with Victim Witness Advocate Karen Hernandez working with the victim, according to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office.
Odierna said the victim “showed tremendous courage and strength” by coming forward and testifying, and she credited Athol Police Detective Sergeant Douglas Kaczmarczyk’s investigation as critical to the case’s outcome.
“I want to commend the victim, who, despite pressure from the defendants not to pursue this matter, showed tremendous courage and strength in coming forward and testifying. Her willingness to speak up ensured that justice could be served,” Odierna said. Adding, “We are grateful to Detective Sergeant Douglas Kaczmarczyk of the Athol Police Department for his thorough and compassionate investigation. His diligence and professionalism were critical in bringing this case to a successful resolution.”
Prosecutors noted that each aggravated rape and abuse of a child charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in state prison, while each indecent assault and battery charge carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in state prison. The witness intimidation charge carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in state prison.
Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 18, 2026, at 2 p.m. in Franklin County Superior Court.
