37-year-old David Morikawa was convicted on two counts of second degree criminal sexual conduct
IRON CO. CIRCUIT COURT -- A former Michigan State Trooper will spend time in prison.
Monday, 37-year-old David Morikawa was sentenced to 20 months in prison after being convicted on two felony counts of second degree criminal sexual conduct in July. The convictions stem from a July 2009 incident between Morikawa and a 12-year-old girl.
Defense Attorney Grant Carlson asked the judge to go on the lower end of the 12 to 24 month recommendation, sighting Morikawa's lack of a criminal record.
"Mr. Morikawa respects the jury system, and he respects the jury’s determination,” said Carlson. “Does he agree with it? Frankly that's irrelevant. He has accepted the verdict."
The victim wrote a statement to the court in part saying she has a scar she can't get rid of.
The victim’s mother, a relative of Morikawa, also addressed the court about the pain her family has suffered since the incident.
"What you have done to my daughter and our family is something I can't get over,” said the victim's mother. “Our family will never be the same...every holiday, for Christmas, for birthdays."
Before issuing his 20 month prison sentence, Judge C. Joseph Schwedler explained how this is about more than just punishing Morikawa.
"I will, in this process, send a message to the community that we won't tolerate this in Iron County, Michigan," said Schwedler.
Morikawa chose not to address the court and was emotionless when his sentence was read. He will be required to register as sex offender and will be given credit for 46 days already served in jail.
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