A Pike County man will serve at least 50 years of an 85-year sentence day for day after being convicted on sex charges.
A release from Pike County District Attorney Brendon Adams said Billy Joe Bueto, 63, was found guilty Friday on six out of 12 charges brought against him. The charges stemmed from an investigation into claims by Bueto’s estranged wife that he had been sexually abusing and videoing her while she was unconscious since 2022.
“People should always feel safe in their own homes,” Adams said. “There is no excuse for the actions that Bueto took against his estranged wife. I commend the vicitm for coming forward and the bravery she showed in testifying and putting herself in such a difficult situation.”
The jury, who heard details of the estranged wife’s physical and mental conditions, returned a guilty verdict on one count of Sexual Battery, two counts of Touching and Handling a Helpless Person for Gratification of Lust, and three counts of Filming Another Person Without Permission Where There is an Expectation of Privacy.
“This was a very graphic trial where photos and images were shown that quite frankly were hard for many to look at,” Adams said. “I want to thank the jury for being willing to serve on such a difficult and graphic case.”
Circuit Judge David Strong sentenced Bueto to 85 years in custody of the Department of Corrections, to serve the first 50 years day for day.
“I want to thank all parties that were involved in this investigation that led to a successful prosecution of this violent offender. This was truly a team effort between the District Attorney’s office and the Pike County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators Jeff Letchworth and Max Adams went above and beyond to seek justice for this victim and hold Bueto accountable for his actions. Victim Assistance Coordinators Jessica Cook and Cindy Brownell spent countless hours meeting with the victim and other witnesses in preparation for trial and we could not have gotten where we are without them. I am proud of the work Assistant District Attorneys Rodney Tidwell and Sebastian Harrell did in prosecuting this case. This team pours their heart into any case they prosecute. Their hard work and dedication are a true testament to the dedication that our office has to making our communities a safer place,” said Adams.
