(Press Release Yancey Sheriff’s Department) On Wednesday, May 11, 2022, Jason Procopio pled guilty to one count of a first-degree statutory sexual offense. The Yancey County Sheriff’s investigated this crime in July of 2021. At the time of the offense, the defendant was 18 years old and the victim was 3 years old. Superior Court Judge Gary Gavenus sentenced the defendant to a minimum of 12 years and a maximum of 19 years and 4 months in the department of adult corrections. Additionally, the defendant will be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life. Judge Gavenus also ordered that Mr. Procopio have the highest level of supervision upon release, which requires him to wear a bracelet around his ankle that monitors his movements. “Every report received of a sexual offense, is taken seriously by the Sheriff’s Office,” said Sheriff Shane Hilliard. “Our top priority is protecting the children of our community and holding sexual predators accountable.”
