A man who prosecutors said caused “emotional and physical harm” as well as “extreme embarrassment” to a young woman will spend no less than two years behind bars.

Cass County Circuit Court Judge Mark Herman sentenced Willie Lee Davis, 27, of Dowagiac, to the Michigan Department of Corrections for a period of no less than two years to no more than five years for assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct in the second degree. Davis has credit for 156 days already served.

Davis must also register as a sex offender, and comply with all requirements of the sex offenders registration act. He pled guilty to the charges during a July 14 court appearance.

The charges stem from a 2015 incident, where Davis, who was described as “highly intoxicated” by the prosecutor, ended up at an abandoned home in Dowagiac, where there were other people present and drinking. Davis is then alleged to have sexually assaulted the woman.

Davis initially denied any sexual contact with the victim. However, DNA found in the victim was identified as his through a rape kit.

“To me, this crime is about nothing but power and control,” Hermann said. “Yes, you were drinking, but that is no excuse.”

According to Herman, the victim asked that Davis be given the maximum sentence for the crime, identifying him as a rapist and a danger to both her and the community, as she is still afraid of him.

“I think she takes on a lot of the blame for being raped, as unfortunately a lot of victims do,” said Chief Assistant Prosecutor Tiffiny Vohwinkle. “Clearly this isn’t her fault. She didn’t asked to be raped just because she was intoxicated. She feels ashamed, and I don’t know that [Davis] gets what he actually did to her.”

Vohwinkle said the victim was not only mentally anguished from the assault, but was physically injured as well. The victim’s head and neck sustained injuries from being banged against the wall during the assault.

“[The victim] was humiliated,” Vohwinkle said. “I believe the sentence will send the message that this kind of action cannot take place.”

Vohwinkle went on to say that Davis’ history suggests that he is not likely to rehabilitate himself, and that the victim is worried about being out in public when Davis is back on the streets.

During sentencing, Davis took a chance to speak to the judge and those he knew in the audience.

“I would like to apologize to the courts and my community and the victim and my friends and family,” Davis said. “I take full responsibility for my actions.”