Local Radar

Paid for by the Joan Herlong for Probate Judge Committee

GUILTY! Rapist given life plus 30 years

web posted March 23, 2006

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EDGEFIELD – The rape and incest trial of Michael Harris came to an end Wednesday with unanimous verdicts of guilty on charges of criminal sexual conduct with a minor in the first degree and incest. The jury deliberated just over an hour before reaching their decision. After polling the jury Judge Williams sentenced Mr. Harris to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Wednesday’s trial resumed with the state calling Dr. Dale Gordineer and Terri Shelton who testified to the taking of DNA samples. SLED Investigator Rhonda Fields took the stand to explain the results of the DNA testing and Dr. George C. Maha PhD told the jury that the probability of Mr. Harris being the father of his daughter’s child was 99.999%.

The Defense did not offer any witnesses and rested sending the case to the jury after closing arguments by mid afternoon. By 5:36 pm the jury sent a note to the court saying they had reached their decision, guilty on all counts.

During the sentencing phase of the trial Assistant Solicitor Ervin Maye stated the history of Michael Harris’ criminal background. He told Judge Williams in 1986 Mr. Harris assaulted his first cousin with resulted in the birth of his daughter, Octavia Nelson. On November 29, 1999 Mr. Harris plead guilty to one count of criminal sexual conduct with a minor and the state dropped charges from two other victims. Mr. Harris was given a 20-year sentence, suspended to 5 years probation. He was still on probation at the time of the latest rape and incest taking place.

Judge Williams’ total sentence was life without parole for the criminal sexual conduct with a minor in the first degree, 10 years for the incest conviction, to run concurrent, and revocation of the probation, which added 20 years to the sentence that is to be served consecutively.

Family members wept as the sentence was handed down and two rushed to the exit due to being unable to control their emotions. Mr. Harris was cuffed and taken to the Edgefield County Detention Center to await his transfer to a state prison where he will serve the rest of his life behind bars for his crimes.

 

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