By By MARCIA STEFFENS / Niles Daily Star
CASSOPOLIS -- Gary Edward Marchbanks, 53, won't have access to any more little girls to photograph or for his own sexual pleasure for a very long time.
The Cassopolis man was sentenced Friday morning by Judge Michael E. Dodge to 18 years to 50 years, with credit for 521 days. And still the case of another different victim is still to go to trial. on Jan. 6, 2004.
Marchbanks was found guilty in a jury trial on Sept. 25, 2003, after a mistrial in April. Marchbanks was charged with three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim under the age of 13 and three counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct.
The felonies took place at his home at 67320 Cassopolis Road, Calvin Center between September 2001, and February, 2003.
Both the victim and her mother made statements to the court, with the girl reading a poem she wrote after the first incidents occurred. She had been warned by Marchbanks not to tell.
The mother told of her worry that her daughter would blame herself and said her son was also affected. Marchbanks "scarred our little girl for life," she said, "and if he were released no child would be safe."
County Prosecutor Victor Fitz called Marchbanks "an evil deviant man. Few had risen to his level."
He asked Dodge to consider the large amount of child pornographic materials on Marchanks computer, and the mental anguish and pain he caused.
For the second degree counts, Marchbanks was sentenced to 10 to 15 years, to be served concurrently, with 521 days credit.
He is to pay a $60 state criminal assessment for all six counts, $60 to the Crime Victims' Fund, and $450 court costs.
In other sentencings:
He was sentenced to one year probation and 60 days in the Cass County Jail, with credit for three days.
He is to pay a $60 state criminal assessment, $60 to the Crime Victims' Fund, $450 court costs and $480 supervision fees. Restitution is reserved until the amount of damage is known.
In the early morning hours of Aug. 20, 2003, Cass County Sheriff's deputies were investigating a complaint at 545112 Estates Lane in Eau Claire.
Sullivan, who had a cut on his face, flipped over a coffee table and ran toward the front door.
He resisted arrest, on outstanding warrants and was on parole from Arkansas and on probation in Van Buren County. "It's a sad litany of a wasted life," Judge Dodge said.
He was sentenced to 180 days in the Cass County Jail, with credit for 72 days. Dodge objected to work release or tether. He is to pay a $60 state criminal assessment, and $60 to the Crime Victims' Fund.
At 19 at the time, in September 2001, she had sexual relations with a lifelong friend, who was only 15. A child resulted in the union.
Savely was sentenced to 18 months probation and 150 days in the Cass County Jail, with credit for six days.
She is to pay $60 state criminal assessment, $60 to the Crime Victims' Fund, $450 court costs, $350 attorney fees, and $180 supervision fees.
Due to his age and limited prior record, Parsons was sentenced to probation for two years and 365 days in the Cass County Jail, with credit for two days, which could be served in the Twin County Program.
He is to also pay supervision fees of $10 a month, $60 state criminal assessment, $60 to the Crime Victims' Fund, $450 court costs, $350 attorney fees, and restitution of $3,861.76.
It was her sixth time in the system for assault charges and she had been told to not have contact with the victim.
Often these situations end with a homicide, Dodge told her.
She was sentenced to probation for two years, with 270 days in jail, with credit for 24. After 60 days, she can apply for boot camp, he added.
She is to pay $960 in supervision fees, $60 state criminal assessment, $60 to the Crime Victims' Fund, $450 court costs, and $350 attorney fees.
She was not legally insane, and she denied involvement and threatened the victim, Dodge said. "It is still a serious crime."
She was sentenced to the Michigan Department of Corrections for 11 1/2 years to 40 years, with credit for 275 days.
She is to pay $60 to the Crime Victims' Fund, and $60 state criminal assessment for each of the four counts.