Staff Writer
CHESTERFIELD - Michael Tyrone Perry of Pageland will spend the next 20 years in prison after pleading guilty April 4 to first degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor under 11 years of age and engaging in sexual battery with a minor.
Judge Paul Burch sentenced Perry, 24, to 20 years in prison, in which 85 percent of the sentence must be served before chance of parole.
" This was the most disturbing case since I started working here at the solicitor's office," said Chesterfield County Assistant Solicitor Patti McKenzie.
Perry was arrested in January of 2006, one day after the assault occurred. His bond was placed at $100,000, but he was unable to post the bond and was placed in the Chesterfield County Detention Center. He remained at the detention center until entering his guilty plea.
Perry will get credit for time served.
Suzanne Mayes of the South Carolina Commission of Prosecution with the Child Abuse Division assisted with the plea.
"We were prepared to prove the case at trial if that was necessary," said McKenzie.
The victim's family was present at sentencing and was able to address the judge.
"We are happy that the family now has closure and that the victim can move forward for a bright future," said McKenzie.
According to McKenzie, Perry was sentenced under the law as it was at the time of the crime. The law for first degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor under 11 years of age in January of 2006 provided a mandatory sentence of 10 years, but not more than 30.
If the assault had been committed after July of 2006, when the law was changed, Perry would have faced a mandatory minimum of 25 years-to-life.
"I hope this sends the message that you don't mess with children," said Solicitor Jay Hodge.
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