Scottville man sent to jail for fourth-degree CSC.

Travis Shirey

Scottville man sent to jail for fourth-degree CSC.

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

#MasonCountyCrime

LUDINGTON – A 39-year-old Scottville man was sentenced Tuesday, Sept. 24, in 51st Circuit Court to serve 45 days up front of a one-year discretionary jail term for a conviction of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC).

Travis J. Shirey, of 6515 S. Scottville Rd., will have to register as a sex offender, said Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola.

Shirey originally faced two felonies of second-degree CSC and accosting a child for immoral purposes in connection to the sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl. One of the counts was dismissed following the preliminary exam in 79th District Court, and the other count was dismissed as part of the plea agreement, said defense attorney Patrick Dougherty. Shirey pleaded “no contest” to fourth-degree CSC, which is a high-court misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison.

The assault occurred in September of 2018 in Sherman Township.

“This has been a very traumatic incident,” said Spaniola. “The effects of this continue with the victim, and she carries the burden of this on a daily basis. This was a person (the victim’s family) trusted in their home and did this very serious offense.”

Shirey engaged in some criminal activity that he pleaded guilty to “years and years ago,” defense attorney Patrick Dougherty said. For a long time he did not have any criminal activity. Shirey “leads a quiet life,” Dougherty said. He is disabled and doesn’t drink or do drugs, he added.

“It makes a lot more sense why this agreement was negotiated,” said Judge Susan K. Sniegowski. “While it makes legal sense, it doesn’t do anything to help the victim’s family. It’s very hard in these cases, especially dealing with children.”

The proof is required “beyond a reasonable doubt,” Judge Sniegowksi said. The statement made to police officers versus those made under oath were different, she said. “When you look at it all together, there is a reasonable basis for this plea agreement.”

Shirey was also ordered to five years probation. He received credit for 16 days served in jail.

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