WISE, Va. — A Wise County man has been convicted in a child sex crimes case.

Michael Edmond Tripp, 49, of Big Stone Gap, was found guilty of two counts of indecent liberties with a child, following a two-day trial.

The case arose out of actions committed in the fall and winter of 2020. Tripp was found to have engaged in sexual conduct with an 8-year-old girl, who was the granddaughter of his live-in girlfriend.

“The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office is relieved to have sought and gained justice for the little girl who was brave enough to come forward and tell her story,” said Asst. Commonwealth’s Attorney Alicia Sneed, who prosecuted the case. “Crimes against children will always be a priority to me and the rest of our prosecutorial staff to ensure safety, to seek justice for those harmed, and to help create a brighter future for all children in our area.”

Tripp will be sentenced Feb. 10.