PHOENIX — An Arizona man accused of sexually assaulting two women hired to babysit his children was found guilty of all charges on Thursday.
The jury found 47-year-old Dion Earl, a former owner of the indoor soccer team Seattle Impact, guilty on six charges, including sexual assault, kidnapping, sexual abuse, public sexual indecency, assault, and kidnapping, according to a spokesperson for Maricopa County Superior Court.
In the matter of State v Dion Earl the jury found the defendant guilty of sexual assault, kidnapping, sexual abuse, public sexual indecency, assault, and kidnapping. Sentencing is scheduled for October 11 at 2pm before Judge Suzanne Cohen.
— MC Superior Court (@courtpio) August 22, 2019
The verdict was read Thursday afternoon at the courthouse in downtown Phoenix.
His sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 11, 2019.
“Today’s verdict shows our commitment to holding this defendant accountable and seeking justice for the young girls who he preyed on for his own selfish desires,” said Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery in a statement released Thursday evening.
Earl testified in court on Tuesday and denied that any indecent behavior had taken place. He testified that one of the women massaged his legs, saying that he was on his stomach and had a towel on, but denied any additional allegations.
He said the second woman came on to him.
"She rolled up on top of me and kissed me," Earl said. "Although she would say that I kissed her, but no."
Prior court documents alleged that Earl essentially lured the women into rooms at his home before the assaults.
During this trial, Earl also denied allegations of indecent behavior against other women, not directly linked to this case, but from his time as the owner of the Seattle Impact.
"All of these women came in to court, testified against you, and they're [all liars]?" the prosecutor asked Earl while on the stand.
"Uh, yeah," Earl responded.
