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By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor
LUDINGTON — A 52-year-old man was sentenced to 34-60 years in prison for convictions of one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of second-degree CSC in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Tuesday, Oct. 20.
Draper
Raymond Draper sexually assaulted two girls, ages 6 and 8, who are relatives, according to Mason County Prosecuting Attorney Beth Hand. The sexual assaults occurred Oct. 1, 2025, according to court records.
Judge Susan K. Sniegowski sentenced Draper to concurrent terms of 408 months (34 years) to 60 years and 200 months (16 ⅔ years) to 60 years.
“The defendant made no statement at sentencing,” said Prosecutor Hand.
“The defendant’s trial had begun, and the jury was selected on Aug. 17, 2026. The following morning, prior to opening statements, the defendant came to court and entered a plea of no contest as charged on all counts. The defendant is a habitual fourth offender. His prior offenses consist of alcohol, drug, and theft-related offenses.
“This case is yet another example of a defendant waiting until the commencement of the trial to accept responsibility for his actions,” said Hand. “Although this was a no contest plea, for the purpose of sentencing, it is the functional equivalent as a plea or finding of guilt.
“The victims were extremely young. The second-degree assaults against the 8-year-old occurred first in time,” said the prosecutor. “When the defendant initially received no consequences for his actions, he continued and escalated his behavior against (the 6-year-old girl) where penetration occurred.” A third female victim, who was age 9, witnessed the assault on her 6-year-old sister.
“The actions of the defendant are incomprehensible. These young girls will have to learn to cope with the unthinkable acts committed against them.” Draper “stole their innocence,” she said. “Hopefully, youth and resilience will allow healing with time. The defendant deserves every day of the prison sentence he received … and more. Although rehabilitation is always a goal of sentencing, one questions how do you fix a state of mind that would allow a person to even contemplate, let alone act on such an impulse? Our community deserves to have our precious children shielded from the evils of the world. Their vulnerability requires the commitment of community leaders to vigilantly pursue justice and protection for each of them. I am honored to work with my law enforcement partners to do whatever is necessary to combat those who dare to harm our youth and thankful for the severe penalty handed down by our circuit court judge, Susan Sniegowski.”
Judge Sniegowski issued a no contact order for the victims and their mother. Draper received credit for 384 days served in jail.
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