Rex sentenced to 11 years in DOC for Child Molesting and Sexual Misconduct

The Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office announced that Michael Rex of Argos has been sentenced. Judge Tami Napier of Marshall Superior Court I presided over the sentencing, which 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.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Elizabeth Boehm represented the State, while Danny Saiz represented the defendant. Assistant Chief Bradley Howe of the Argos Police Department led the investigation.

The hearing began with both sides presenting evidence and later arguing 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 eight years in the Department of Corrections for Child Molesting and three 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 Corrections. 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.