Ludington man sentenced to 10-15 years in prison for ‘violent forceful rape’

Ludington man sentenced to 10-15 years in prison for ‘violent forceful rape’

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

HART — A 32-year-old Ludington man was sentenced to 10-15 years in prison in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court Monday, Nov. 14, for a conviction of third-degree criminal sexual conduct.

A jury found Christian Lee Mitchell guilty during a trial last September.

“This case involved a violent forceful rape,” said Oceana County Prosecutor Joseph Bizon. 

The 10-year minimum is the highest possible term for the conviction. “The 10-year sentence is the most possible for this offense due to Michigan law requiring an indeterminate sentence subject to the 2/3 rule — the minimum sentence cannot exceed 2/3 of the maximum,” said Bizon. “The violent nature of the offense and the defendant’s record justified the departure from the bottom of the guidelines — 78 months — as is presumed under MCL 769.34.”

The victim in the case — a 38-year-old woman — had an “on-and-off relationship” with Mitchell for about a year, said the prosecutor. “They met at night to discuss their relationship. During an argument, he forcibly sexually assaulted her in the back seat of the vehicle she had driven the two of them in.

“I am grateful that the jury took this case seriously and ruled for justice for the victim. This has been traumatic for her, and I hope this gives her some peace and closure. She showed courage and strength.”

Mitchell was previously sentenced to one year and three months to 10 years and six months in prison in 2012 for drug delivery, according to the Offender Tracking Information System. He also has prior convictions of assaulting/resisting/obstructing police and drug delivery.

Mitchell also has an address of 207 S. Dryden St., Hart listed in his court records. He received credit for 243 days served in jail and was ordered to pay $198 in fines and costs.

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