By Derek Tyson, The Welch News Editor

WELCH, W.Va. – A McDowell County man now faces up to 15 years in prison as well as 50 year supervised release after being sentenced Wednesday.

At a previous hearing, George Truhlar, 30, of Crumpler, WV pleaded guilty to charges of solicitation of a minor by computer or other electronic device, and sexual assault in the third degree.

For the solicitation charge, he was sentenced for not less than 2 years and no more than 10 years.

For the sexual assault charge, he was sentenced for not less than 1 year and no more than 5 years.

The sentences will run consecutively and Truhlar will have to re-register as a sex offender upon release.

Previously convicted in Giles County, Virginia for similar crimes, Truhlar served time and successfully completed a 5 year probation period in spring of 2020 and had to register as a sex offender with the West Virginia State Police.

In the sentencing, Judge Edward Kornish reviewed his history and chose to impose the maximum amount of time for supervised release probation, 50 years.

“You’re going to be on probation from now to 80,” said Kornish.

Any offense made during the supervised release could result in 3 to 15 years of prison time.
Due to nature of Truhlar’s offenses, his family, attorney Floyd Anderson, and Judge Kornish all recommended he be placed in protective custody during his time in prison.

Kornish urged Truhlar to seek out counseling and possible medical treatment from a psychiatrist while serving his sentences.

“I’m not going to lie to you, I’m guilty,” said Truhlar during the sentencing. “I made a mistake and I’m going to try my best to learn from these mistakes.”

The case was investigated by WVSP Trooper D.B. Whited of Princeton Detachment and was prosecuted by McDowell County Prosecuting Attorney Brittany Puckett. Truhlar was represented by Public Defender Floyd Anderson.