A Channing man will be sentenced January 21, 2019 after being convicted this week of two counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct (a Life offense) and one count of second degree CSC (a 15-year felony.)
Local Three News reports that Kenneth Lorne Buck, 34, was convicted after a four day jury trial that started Monday.
He was charged with multiple counts of sexual assault involving a child under the age of 13. The incidents occurred between October of 2017 and April of 2018 in Channing.
Testimony continued through Wednesday afternoon. The case was presented by Prosecuting Attorney Lisa Richards with assistance from Assistant Prosecutor Kristin Kass and Detective Lieutenant Derek Dixon of the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office.
Prosecution witnesses included the minor victim, various family members and teachers, medical personnel from Dickinson County Healthcare System, as well as members of law enforcement including members from the Michigan State Police Crime Laboratory.
Prosecutors also presented expert testimony from Beth Holland, a Home-based Clinical Care Manager and Social Emotional Consultant with Northpointe Behavioral Healthcare System, regarding typical and relevant symptoms of child sexual abuse.
Richards acknowledged that much of the testimony was sensitive in nature and emotionally difficult for jurors to hear, saying,”Nevertheless, they were attentive, asked questions throughout the trial and took the case and their tole as jurors seriously.”
Richards also acknowledged crime victims advocate Connie Larson, retired crime victim rights advocate and K9 advocate Karen Alvord, and various members of Northpointe Behavioral Healthcare System who provided much needed emotional support to the minor victim and her family.
Buck faces life in prison and lifetime registration as a sex offender under Michigan’s Sex Offender Registration Act. He will be sentenced at 9 a.m. January 21 in front of the Honorable Christopher S. Ninomiya.
