Hamilton man charged with sexual abuse of a minor

John Scott Harrington was charged in Ravalli County District Court on Wednesday, June 19, with three felony counts related to the sexual assault of a minor.

According to court documents, the abuse allegedly occurred three times between August 2020 and May 2024. The child was between 6 and 9 years old at the time of the alleged abuse, and Harrington was between 69 and 73 years old.

The child’s father reported the sexual assault to authorities after the child told his mother about the abuse. The father reported confronting Harrington and saying he allegedly admitted to the crime.

A forensic interview took place in early June, during which the child described to authorities the abuse and the period in which it occurred.

When questioned by police, Harrington reportedly said he wanted to take responsibility for what he did to the child because he knew it was wrong.

Harrington also allegedly admitted to previously abusing an 8-year-old child in Idaho.