Man accused of CSC faces 25-year minimum prison term

Pereira

Man accused of CSC faces 25-year minimum prison term

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor

LUDINGTON — A 57-year-old man charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) appeared in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Oct. 3, for a final trial conference. 

Joseph Fredrick Pereira is accused of sexually assaulting two girls under the age of 13. His criminal case will be scheduled for a jury trial that is expected to last at least three days.

Mason County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Beth Hand said Pereira faces a 25-year mandatory minimum prison term if convicted. The maximum term for a first-degree CSC conviction is life in prison. He is charged with one CSC count “for each juvenile girl,” said Hand. Although, there could have been “numerous counts as it was an ongoing activity.” At this point, her office is not offering a plea agreement.

According to his court file, Pereira was arrested May 22, 2023. He appeared in court with his attorney, Tracie Dinehart, who requested an adjournment of the final trial conference.

Pereira is lodged in the Mason County Jail on a $50,000 bond.

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