September 29, 2016
Source/Delaware County Prosecutor's Office
Martin Finsterbusch, 79, of Clifton Heights.
A Clifton Heights man was convicted Thursday of molesting two children who reported the abuse several years later and testified against him in court over the summer, prosecutors announced.
Martin Finsterbusch, 79, of Clifton Heights was found guilty of molesting the two victims, now 22 and 14, when they were at or under the age of 8. Finsterbusch was convicted of two counts each of indecent assault on a person less than 13 years old, indecent assault without consent and corruption of minors.
At a bench trial that began in August, both victims testified that Finsterbusch engaged them in progressive acts of abuse, according to the Delaware County Daily Times.
The first victim told Assistant District Attorney Alan Borowsky that the assault began with Finsterbusch tickling her and touching her chest. As she matured, she said Finsterbusch became more aggressive — allegedly grabbing her, pinching her and kissing her with his tongue.
The second victim told prosecutors that Finsterbusch assaulted her more than a dozen times, again tickling and touching her before advancing to more inappropriate contact. Finsterbusch told her that she had to remain quiet about the abuse or else he would get in trouble, the victim testified.
After the second victim confided in her sister and a friend, the ensuing investigation connected Finsterbusch to the first victim.
Finsterbusch is facing prison time and a lifetime sex offender registration under Megan's Law. His sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 12, 2017.
