Rothbury man to serve 20-year minimum for first-degree CSC.

Dougherty

Rothbury man to serve 20-year minimum for first-degree CSC.

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

HART — A 21-year-old Rothbury man lodged in the Muskegon County Jail on a felony charge of third-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) appeared in Oceana County’s 27th Circuit Court Monday, June 29, and pleaded guilty to a more serious felony charge of first-degree CSC — victim under 13.

Gregory Lawrence Dougherty, of 7169 S. 88th Ave., faces a minimum of 20 years in prison, said Oceana County Prosecutor Joseph Bizon.

Judge Robert D. Springstead will set the maximum term, Bizon said.

Judge Springstead asked Dougherty why he was pleading guilty. “I’m pleading guilty because I did what I did,” he answered.

Dougherty testified that he had sex with an 11-year-old girl last winter in an abandoned house in Rothbury down the street from his parents’ home.

“She was slightly a friend of mine,” he said. “She became one of my good friends, but she isn’t anymore.”

“How did you convince this girl to go in an abandoned building with you?” the judge asked. “She always followed me around,” he said.

Sentencing is set for Aug. 24 at 10:30 a.m.

Due to COVID-19 precautions, Dougherty appeared in court Monday via Zoom teleconferencing from the Muskegon County Jail. He is lodged on a $10,000/cash/surety bond. His bond in Oceana County was set at $25,000/cash/surety/10 percent, according to court records. His arrest in Oceana County stems from an investigation by the Michigan State Police.

First-degree CSC is punishable by up to life in prison, and third-degree CSC carries a maximum 15-year penalty.

Please consider helping fund local news. Mason County Press and Oceana County Press are available for free thanks to the generous support of our advertisers and individuals who support our service. Click on the PayPal donation button located on the top right of our website.

This story is copyrighted © 2020, 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.