A man who is a self-proclaimed Viking and gang member, according to law enforcement, has been convicted of child fondling in Mississippi.
The DeSoto County District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday that a jury found Viking Chad Vanstory guilty of fondling a nine-year-old boy. In line with his first name, Vanstory believes himself to be of the likes of the Scandinavian seafaring warriors of the past, according to the DA’s office, with prosecutors also showing evidence in court that he is a member of the Iron Horsemen motorcycle gang.
The conviction follows a two-day trial in which jurors had enough evidence to find Vanstory guilty. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Gordon Shaw and Michael Steele, following an investigation led by the Olive Branch Police Department in collaboration with Healing Hearts Child Advocacy Center.
“Thanks to the courage of the victim, the dedicated work of the Olive Branch Police Department, the partnership of Haling Hurts, we were able to hold this gang member accountable for his horrific crimes,” Shaw said. “Know this: predators who harm children in DeSoto County will trade their freedom for a metal bunk in a freezing cell and prison food.”
Vanstory’s sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 13.
