Bonifay man found guilty on sexual battery charges

A Holmes County jury took only 30 minutes to find a Bonifay man guilty of lewd and lascivious sexual battery and unlawful sexual activity with a minor in a trial that began the morning of July 25 and ended the same day.

Vu Huy Huynh was charged and arrested after the victim in the case met with then Bonifay Police Chief Chris Wells and Bonifay Police Officer Jasley Wells for an interview in November 2021. The victim, then age 14, stated she lived with her mother who allowed Huynh, a family friend to live with them and sleep in the bed with the victim in 2019.

The victim told investigators that after a couple of months Huynh began having sex with her while her mother was in the home. The relationship continued until June 2021 when the victim moved to another residence; however, the victim states Huynh continued to attempt contact with her through a third party.

A child protection team interview found that the sexual abuse occurred over the course of three years, not only in the home, but in Panama City Beach and Dothan, Alabama as well.

Huynh is set for sentencing by the Honorable Judge Russell Roberts at the Holmes County Courthouse on September 1.