Argos man sentenced on child molest, sexual misconduct charges

An Argos man was sentenced on child molesting and sexual misconduct charges.

The Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office announced that Michael Rex was sentenced by Judge Tami Napier of Marshall Superior Court I. It  followed the defendant's conviction at a jury trial for one count of Child Molesting as a Level 4 Felony and one count of Sexual Misconduct with a Minor as a Level 5 Felony.

The hearing started with both sides having a chance to present evidence and later argue to the Court about the sentence they believed was appropriate. The parties discussed mitigating and aggravating factors, and the Court ultimately found that the aggravating factors outweighed the mitigating ones. The defendant was sentenced to 8 years in the Department of Correction for Child Molesting and 3 years for Sexual Misconduct with a Minor. The sentences for each count will be served consecutively, or one after the other, totaling 11 years in the Department of Correction. As with any conviction for child molesting, the Defendant will be required to register as a sex offender for life after his release.

Deputy Prosecutor Boehm said, "These cases are never easy to investigate or to prosecute. But almost every one of them starts with a victim who is brave enough to come forward and see the process through. The strength it takes to testify in front of a jury full of strangers should never be underestimated. I am grateful that the family involved in this case was supportive during everything the victim had to go through to get a guilty verdict and this sentence."

If you suspect a child is experiencing abuse or neglect, call Indiana's Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-800-5556. You may request to remain anonymous.