Montague man faces 14-year minimum for CSC

Edward Morpeth with his attorney, John Greer (center) and Oceana County Prosecutor Joseph Bizon.

By Allison Scarbrough. OCP Editor.

HART — A 58-year-old Montague man is looking at spending at least the next 14 years in prison after pleading “no contest” to two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) in 27th Circuit Court Monday, Oct. 26.

Edward Anthony Morpeth, of 9561 Oaklawn St., molested a young girl “over multiple years,” involving “20 separate penetrations,” said Oceana County Prosecutor Joseph Bizon. The molestations began when the girl was 13 years old, Bizon said.

Morpeth, who is currently lodged in the Oceana County Jail, appeared in court with his attorney, John Greer. A third count of first-degree CSC, which is punishable by up to life in prison, was dismissed in the plea deal.

Morpeth will also be subject to mandatory lifetime electronic monitoring upon his release from prison.

Judge Anthony A. Monton will set Morpeth’s maximum term during sentencing, which is set for Dec. 7 at 9 a.m.