Amherst Co. grand jury to hear sexual battery charge against former County official

A judge on Wednesday certified to a grand jury the case of a former Amherst County official accused of inappropriate contact with a young girl.

John Mulvey, 48, formerly of Amherst and the county’s former economic development director, has been charged with attempted aggravated sexual battery stemming from a March 29 incident near the girl’s home in Amherst.

Wednesday’s hearing, in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, included testimony from the child, who is in elementary school. Judge Michael Garrett closed the courtroom during her testimony, which lasted about 45 minutes.

The girl alleged that Mulvey had touched her and made her feel uncomfortable on a Sunday afternoon after she had attended church, according to her mother’s testimony and details that emerged later in the proceeding as attorneys made their arguments.

“This has really upset her,” the girl’s mother testified, fighting off tears.

The family has since moved out of state.

Mulvey, wearing a dark suit, took notes and sometimes slightly shook his head during the proceeding.

He was suspended without pay on April 15 from his $60,000-per-year position with the county; he resigned after he was arrested June 18.

The mother testified that her daughter confided that Mulvey had touched her four times behind a shed, hidden from view from her home. They had gone behind the shed to retrieve their dogs, she said.

The girl, whom Payne characterized as “stellar,” became uncomfortable with his actions and told Mulvey that her mother and grandmother needed her, and that she wanted to go home.

“Only because of the wisdom of this little girl did she get away from it,” Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Cary Payne told Garrett.

The girl ran home, and confided to her mother about the encounter, the mother said. The complained to Amherst police the next day.

Mulvey remains free on bond. Garrett amended the bond conditions Wednesday to stipulate that Mulvey could live with a relative in the area of Greensboro, N.C.

Mulvey’s attorney, Craig Tiller, declined comment afterward.

The grand jury meets Oct. 13.