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Theodore Dumont, left, with his attorney, Gary Springstead.
CSC victim: ‘I have woken up screaming from nightmares.’
#OceanaCountyCourtNews
By Allison Scarbrough. Editor.
HART — The victim of a criminal sexual assault told Judge Bradley G. Lambrix in 27th Circuit Court Monday, Sept. 11, that he has awakened “screaming from nightmares.”
The male victim, who is now 14 years old, described in a written letter the trauma he has endured due to the sexual assault that occurred six years ago. The victim’s grandmother read the letter to Lambrix during the sentencing of 43-year-old Theodore Dumont of 2700 W. Connie St., Rothbury.
Dumont was arrested last March by the Michigan State Police for a felony of second-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) – victim under age 13. Dumont pleaded “no contest” to a high-court misdemeanor of fourth-degree CSC. In exchange for his plea, Dumont’s jail time was capped at three months.
Lambrix sentenced Dumont Monday to serve three months up front of a nine-month discretionary jail term. Dumont, who received credit for one day served in jail, must also register as a sex offender and serve five years of probation.
“Mr. Dumont, this is a sad day for the court, and I think for you, your family and extended family,” Lambrix said. “I have given this matter considerable thought.”
“The trauma will last a lifetime. It’s one of those things that once done, cannot be undone,” the judge said.
The assault has “affected the last six years of my life,” stated the victim, who also said he has gone through counseling for the last several years due to the crime.
“I was so confused of what Ted did to me,” he wrote. “I was furious with Theodore. I carried that burden in my mind for six years. I don’t want to talk to him; see him; or ever be in the same room as him.”
The victim stated that he has suffered from depression and shame.
“I have woken up screaming from nightmares,” he wrote.
“I did nothing wrong, but I feel I am the one being punished. It should have never happened.”
“I will never forgive him,” he continued. “I don’t’ want him to hurt another child like he hurt me.
“I am still in counseling, and it helps me understand that what happened is not my fault — it’s Ted’s.”
The victim asked the judge to “punish Ted for what he has done to me and protect the other children out there. I worry about them, too.”
“Mr. Dumont has accepted responsibility for what he’s done,” said Dumont’s attorney, Gary Springstead. Having to register as a sex offender will be a “day-to-day reminder” of his actions.
This story is copyrighted © 2017, all rights reserved by Media Group 31, LLC, PO Box 21, Scottville, MI 49454. No portion of this story or images may be reproduced in any way, including print or broadcast, without expressed written consent.
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