BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Leon Prince, 77, of Deatsville, Alabama in Elmore County will be before Judge Bill Lewis this morning for a bond hearing concerning charges of Sexual Abuse of a Child Less than 12 Years of Age. He was convicted of a similar sexual offense of a 7-Year-Old in 1991. He served 15 years of a 30-year sentence in that case that occurred in north Alabama.
The Elmore/Autauga News will cover the hearing this morning, and there will be a press conference afterwards with media and members of VOCAL (Victims of Crime and Leniency) with the District Attorneys Office.
Prince’s victim in 1991 was Allison Black Cornelius. She has become an advocate for other victims, of which she says there are many. She posted this video to her social media recently when she learned Prince had a new charge in Elmore County. She is expected to be at the hearing today, and also take part in the press conference afterwards. https://www.facebook.com/allison.b.cornelius/videos/645044256698389
Release from the Elmore County District Attorney’s Office
Wetumpka, Alabama Circuit Judge Bill Lewis has set a hearing to consider a bond increase for Leon Albert Prince, who is charged with Sexual Abuse of a Child less than 12 years of age. The hearing will be held this morning at 8:15 a.m. in the Elmore County Judicial Complex.
Following the hearing, the Office of the District Attorney will hold a joint press conference with VOCAL (Victims of Crime and Leniency) in order to share and ascertain information pertaining to anyone who may have been victimized by Prince.
Prince was previously convicted in Jefferson County in 1991 and sentenced to 30 years for a sexual crime involving a child. At that time, many young people came forward alleging they had also been victimized by Leon Prince. Since his release from prison, it is believed Prince has created opportunities for himself to volunteer with local programs serving young people.
Allison Black Cornelius, the victim in Prince’s 1991 conviction, has made it her life’s work to advocate on behalf of victims of crime, including those victimized by Leon Prince. She plans to be present for today’s hearing and press conference.
Leon Prince was indicted by an Elmore County Grand Jury in January 2022. He was released from the Elmore County Jail on a $40,000 bond.
The Office of the District Attorney and VOCAL are committed to protecting victims of crime. For those who may have information pertaining to crimes committed by Leon Prince, or for those who have been victimized and would like to speak to an advocate, help is available. Victims may call 800-239-3219 in order to speak with someone who can assist.
