FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — A former music producer out of Franklin has been convicted of sex crimes against a minor.
55-year-old Samuel “Sammy” Sylvester was found guilty on Wednesday of seven counts of statutory rape and two counts of sexual battery by an authority figure.
According to Franklin Police, between 2009 and 2010, Sylvester committed the offenses on a 16-year-old girl he'd been working with. He was arrested in 2019 and had previously been convicted of crimes against children in Minnesota and Tennessee.
That survivor, Abbey George Ware, now 31 years old, came forward Friday to tell her story.
Abbey says Sylvester gained her trust by helping her make it in the music industry, but then groomed her and then 15 years ago, began sexually assaulting her.
Abbey spoke about the Franklin Police Department's special victims detectives and advocates who were with her every step of the way.
"When you see people like that in your corner, who are strong, it makes you stronger," Abbey said. "It makes you believe in yourself, and people believe in you."
NewsChannel 5's Jason Lamb asked Abbey what she had learned about herself throughout this long journey.
"I’m tough, that’s what I would say," Abbey said. "I’m a strong, tough woman, and I can’t be hurt anymore."
Investigators believe there may be additional victims as Sylvester worked with many children throughout his career. If you have any information, you're asked to contact Franklin Police Detective Andrea Clark at (615) 550-6829, or Andrea.Clark@FranklinTn.gov.
Music lessons for just 50 cents! A Nashville music school has been providing that to area students for over 40 years including for the city's current mayor. As a child, I always wanted to take piano lessons. I was able to for about 6 months but had to stop due to family finances. I would have loved to have had access to a program like this at the W. O. Smith Music School.
- Lelan Statom
