ALPENA - An Alpena man who pleaded no contest to sexually assuaulting a mentally disabled relative was sentenced to prison Friday.
James Lawerence received a sentence of 20 months to 15 years in state prison for first-degree vulnerable adult abuse in 26th Circuit Court in Alpena. The victim told family members in 2010 that Lawrence had sexually assaulted him numerous times in the past.
Before Judge Michael Mack handed down the sentence, Joel Bauer, Lawrence's attorney, read a statement written by Lawrence. He stated Lawrence's apology to the victim and his family, repeatedly calling himself a "sinner" and stating that he promised to "never sin again."
"More than anything, I hope you will be able to forgive me," Lawrence said in the statement. He also apologized to his wife and daughter, and said he suffers from mental illness. Bauer asked Mack that Lawrence be kept in Alpena so he could continue getting treatment for the illness.
The court also heard from the victim's family members and his teacher, each one berating Lawrence for taking advantage of the victim's trusting nature. His brother said Lawrence's actions have put a huge strain on the victim's family, especially his mother.
"There isn't a day that goes by that I don't wonder how we'll put the pieces back together," the victim's brother said.
The brother added he was upset by the effect Lawrence's actions had on the victim, calling the change he sees in the victim when Lawrence's name is mentioned "heartbreaking."
Another family member said he'll never forget the day when the victim saidwhat Lawrence had done to him.
"I'm just glad he finally told someone, even though he was scared," he said. "It took courage and I'm proud of him."
Lawrence initially had been charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct, also a 15-year felony, Prosecutor Ed Black said. However, the victim's family agreed to a plea deal in order to spare the victim from having to testify. This was done not only to keep from further traumatizing the victim, but because he has limited cognitive abilities and trouble communicating.
Despite this, the victim was able to describe to the court what Lawrence did to him during the preliminary examination, Black said. Prior to the sentencing, Black recounted what the victim had said during the exam about the assault.
Black told the court he had a hard time believing Lawrence's apology. Despite the fact Lawrence never denied his guilt, he did "everything he can to keep from pleading guilty," Black said.
Mack also chastised Lawrence for preying on a vulnerable person and coming short of owning up to his actions.
"You may have manipulated (the victim), but you won't manipulate this court," Mack said.
Jordan Travis can be reached via email at jtravis@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5688.