Sex offender sent to prison.

Arturo Lopez with his attorney, Ryan Glandville, and interpreter Viola Sotomayer.

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By Allison Scarbrough. Editor.

LUDINGTON — A 59-year-old Ludington man was sentenced in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, June 21, to concurrent terms of seven to 15 years in prison for convictions of second-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) and third-degree CSC.

Arturo Ruiz Lopez, of 605 S. Washington Ave., appeared in court Tuesday with his attorney, Ryan Glandville, and a Spanish-English translator, Viola Sotomayor.

Lopez initially faced two counts of first-degree CSC, which are punishable by up to life in prison, and two counts of third-degree CSC, which have a 15-year maximum. He was arrested March 1 by the Ludington Police Department in connection to the sexual assault of two Ludington children.

Lopez pleaded guilty to an added count of second-degree CSC – victim under 13 and third-degree CSC. He testified that in 2004 and 2005, he engaged in sexual contact, digital penetration, with a victim under age 13. He also testified that from July of 2012 to May 2014, he engaged in digital penetration of a child 13-16 years of age.

Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola said Lopez “manipulated children for his own personal sexual satisfaction.” The prosecutor also said that Lopez “does not seem to grasp the magnitude” of his crimes.

“The victims have been highly traumatized by his actions,” Spaniola said, noting that Ruiz engaged in “repeated actions over a repeated number of years.” The victims will continue to suffer for the rest of their lives, he said.

The case is complicated by his immigration to US, Spaniola said. “At some point, he will be moved from the country. Immigration authorities are aware of the pending case.”

“He confessed to the crimes right away,” Glandville said. “He knew that he would be punished and probably sent to prison for a long time. He is sorry for what he’s done. He has accepted responsibility for what he’s done.”

Several family members packed the courtroom Tuesday. They attended the sentencing to show their support for him, Glandville said. Ruiz’s son died recently, and he couldn’t go to his funeral, because he was in jail. “His family sees it as a punishment from God,” the attorney said.

“He is asking for forgiveness, and he has made a mistake,” said his translator after Ruiz spoke in Spanish.

“There isn’t any sentence that I can impose that will make things right for these young girls,” said Judge Susan K. Sniegowski.

Ruiz received credit for 113 days served in jail. He will be subject to lifetime electronic monitoring.