A Cassopolis man will see the inside of Michigan prison cell for having an illicit relationship with a 14-year-old.

Judge Michael Dodge sentenced James Allen Noble, 32, to five years in prison on charges of third-degree criminal sexual conduct on Friday. Noble previously appeared in court on June 23, when he pleaded guilty to the charge.

According to the court, the relationship between Noble and the victim occurred during in a period lasting from Sept. 1 to Oct. 17 last year. The victim indicated that they had engaged in sexual intercourse on several occasions leading up to his arrest, Dodge said.

“This is an extremely serious offense that resulted in you taking advantage of an underage victim,” Dodge said. “This is a serious crime that has far reaching psychological implications for the victim.”

Despite the age difference, the Cassopolis man aggressively pursued the teenager and sought a long-term relationship, said Assistant Prosecutor Kirk Metzger.

“He was writing letters to the victim saying he desired an ongoing relationship,” Metzger said. “He referred to himself as ‘your husband.’”

According to Noble’s attorney, James Miller, his client suffered from several mental health issues that he failed to properly medicate prior to his crime. He has received treatment for his condition since his arrest, his attorney added.

“From my perspective, Noble is an entirely different person from the day we first met in jail for his preliminary examination,” Miller said.

Noble’s past criminal record contained 14 misdemeanor charges, but only one felony charge as a minor. Dodge sentenced Noble near the lower end of the sentencing guidelines, due in part to this and his health issues, he said.

“Clearly you have benefited from the medication that you’ve been taking since you were incarcerated,” Dodge said. “That has changed your behavior and your outlook.”

He was given credit for 282 days already served.