CASSOPOLIS — A Dowagiac man who had sexual relations with a teenage girl is headed to prison.
Stephan Valencia, 19, received a 30-month to 15-year prison sentence on a third-degree criminal sexual conduct conviction Friday in Cass County Circuit Court.
Valencia admitted to engaging in oral sex with the 13-year-old on at least 10 different occasions between April and July.
Judge Michael Dodge pointed out Valencia’s clean prior criminal history but said the offense is “very serious.”
“This used to be considered statutory rape,” Dodge said.
Prosecutor Victor Fitz, in his comments, called Valencia “a self-indulgent individual.”
“We need to send a message that this is not tolerated in Cass County, in Michigan or in society,” Fitz said.
Defense attorney Lawrence Quigley pointed to his client’s youth and clean criminal history.
“He used extremely poor judgment, and he takes full responsibility,” Quigley said.
For his part, Valencia kept it simple.
“I’m sorry,” he said.
Valencia will get credit for 50 days already served.