Evansville Man Found Guilty of Molesting Child, Threatening Her Life

Jury deliberated for 1.5 hours before convicting Lewis L. Harris on charges of child molesting and intimidation.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A 44-year-old Evansville man, Lewis L. Harris, has been found guilty by a jury of child molesting and intimidation charges after a victim came forward and reported that Harris had sexually abused her multiple times when she was 11 years old. Harris also allegedly threatened to kill the victim if she told anyone about the abuse. The jury deliberated for about 1.5 hours before reaching the guilty verdict.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of child sexual abuse and the trauma it inflicts on victims. It also demonstrates the importance of victims feeling empowered to come forward and report abuse, as well as the critical role the justice system plays in holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes.

The details

According to prosecutors, the victim came forward to Holly's House last April and reported that Harris had sexually abused her multiple times when she was 11 years old. Police say that after the abuse, Harris threatened to kill the victim if she told anyone about it. After a trial, the jury deliberated for about 1.5 hours before finding Harris guilty of child molesting and intimidation charges.

  • In April 2026, the victim came forward to Holly's House and reported the abuse.
  • On February 27, 2026, the jury found Harris guilty after about 1.5 hours of deliberation.
  • Harris is set to be sentenced on April 1, 2026.

The players

Lewis L. Harris

A 44-year-old Evansville man who was found guilty of child molesting and intimidation charges.

Diana Moers

The prosecutor in the case against Harris.

Holly's House

The organization where the victim came forward to report the abuse.

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What they’re saying

“After the trial, the jury deliberated for about an hour and a half before finding him guilty.”

— Diana Moers, Prosecutor (14news.com)

What’s next

Harris is set to be sentenced on April 1, 2026, and could receive up to 14.5 years in prison for the charges.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing issue of child sexual abuse and the importance of victims feeling empowered to come forward and report abuse, as well as the critical role the justice system plays in holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes.