Allendale man sentenced to jail for attempted sexual assault.

William Dwyer with his attorney, Patrick Fragel.

By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor.

LUDINGTON — A 24-year-old Allendale man was sentenced to one year in jail for attempted first-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) with a child under the age of 13 in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Jan. 5.

William Rhody Dwyer, Jr., testified last November 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.

Dwyer, who received credit for 252 days served in jail, must also serve 180 days on a tether after his release from jail. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender and have no contact with the victim. Judge Susan K. Sniegowski also ordered that he serve five years probation. If Dwyer completes the probation with no violations, he can withdraw his plea and plead to accosting a child for immoral purposes.

The victim provided an emotional allocution during Dwyer’s sentencing, stating that she has “flashbacks” of incidents and that she felt “empty and disgusting when he touched me.” She described Dwyer as a “monster” and that she hates him. “He destroyed my childhood and teen years,” she said, adding that she suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. “I won’t let him destroy my future,” she said.

Dwyer’s attorney Patrick Fragel said his client is “ashamed to no end” and is “completely ready to pursue his sentence.”

Dwyer apologized and said he makes no excuses for his actions, adding that he is “not a monster.”

“These cases are always extremely difficult,” Sniegowski said.