Hart man receives jail term for CSC conviction.

McGhan

Hart man receives jail term for CSC conviction.

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

HART — A 24-year-old Hart man was sentenced to nine months in jail for a conviction of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) in 27th Circuit Court, Feb. 7.

Aaron Michael McGhan, of 1050 N. 144th Ave., pleaded “no contest” to the charge Nov. 29.

McGhan initially faced more serious charges of two counts of second-degree CSC, which were dismissed in exchange for his plea.

Fourth-degree CSC is a high-court misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison. Second-degree CSC is a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

The case was prosecuted by Newaygo County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Scott Walburn, because Oceana County Prosecutor Joseph Bizon recused himself due to a conflict of interest.

“I know the families, and someone in my office at the time was very close to them as well,” said Bizon. “It was best to recuse our office. Newaygo was assigned.”

Walburn said there are two victims. “I spoke with the family several times, and they support the plea,” he said.

Sentencing guidelines in the case are 0-9 months, and Walburn recommended a sentence within the guidelines.

McGhan admitted that the crime of “engaging in sexual contact using force or coersion” occurred within a time frame of July of 2015 to July of 2016 when he was 18 years old. 

Judge Robert D. Springstead also ordered five years probation. McGhan received credit for two days served in jail. He registered as a sex offender, Nov. 29.

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