A former Wellston substitute teacher, convicted of two counts of soliciting sexual conduct or communication with a minor by use of Technology, has been sentenced to prison.
Formal charges were filed in Lincoln County District Court on April 12, 2023 against Emma Delaney Hancock, 26 at the time. The charges were filed following an investigation by Lincoln County officers and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
Lincoln County jury in October of 2024 found her guilty and recommended punishment at three years on each of the guilty counts. The jury deliberated for just under two hours before returning with its verdict.
Hancock was acquitted of two counts of lewd or indecent acts to a child under 16 and one count of soliciting sexual conduct or communication with a minor by use of Technology.
Assistant District Attorneys Kelly Trimble and Rachel Thompson prosecuted the case for the state and Hancock’s defense attorneys were Billy Coyle and Amber Leal.
Trimble commented after the trial, “We are thankful that a person in a position of authority who preyed on a minor is being held accountable.”
Appearing for sentencing in mid-December before Associate District Sheila Kirk, the judge adopted the verdict and found her guilty as charged.
Judge Kirk who presided over the trial, sentenced Hancock to three years in the Department of Corrections on Count 1, along with cost of the action plus $100 fine, $100 VCA and 991 fees.
On Count 2, the judge sentenced her to three years in DOC with all time suspended save and except the first year, cost of the action plus $100 fine, $100 VCA and 991 fees. Judge Kirk ordered the counts to run consecutively, probation with DOC and for the defendant to report to the Court Clerk Cost administrator within 180 days of release.
She noted Hancock’s notice of intent to appeal, ordered terming indigency, Appellate counsel and preparation of appeal record. The judge granted trial counsel’s motion to withdraw, court reporter’s acknowledgement and notification of appropriate Appellate counsel if appointed.
Hancock was originally charged with the two counts of soliciting sexual conduct or communication with a minor by use of Technology and two counts of lewd or indecent acts to a child under 16.
She was bound over Oct. 12, 2023 to stand trial and on Oct. 24, 2023 the District Attorney’s Office filed amended information to include an additional count of soliciting sexual conduct or communication with minor by use of Technology.
Fromer Wellston School Supt. Mike Franz said last year, “When we became aware of the allegations, this subject was removed from our call list and not allowed back on campus.
“Since then, we have cooperated with local, county and OSBI officers on their investigation,” Franz added.