By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor.
LUDINGTON — A 24-year-old Allendale man is looking at serving one year in jail after pleading guilty to attempted first-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) with a child under the age of 13 in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday Nov. 17.
William Rhody Dwyer, Jr., testified that the inappropriate touching of the young girl occurred between the time span of May 2008 to January 2009.
Dwyer originally faced two felony counts of first-degree CSC – victim under 13/defendant over 17 and one felony count of second-degree CSC – victim under 13/defendant over 17. Those three counts were dismissed when he pleaded to the added fourth count.
His plea agreement calls for registering as a sex offender and no contact with the victim. The prosecution is recommending five years probation, and if Dwyer completes the probation with no violations, he can withdraw his plea and plead to accosting a child for immoral purposes.
Dwyer is currently lodged in the Mason County Jail on a $25,000/cash/surety bond. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 5 at 3:45 p.m.