On Thursday, December 18, 22-year-old Kevin D. Champion was sentenced to 22 years and one month to 40 years in prison for the 2011 rape of a woman at gunpoint, according to a news article at Mlive.com.
In July, Champion pleaded no contest as charged to one count each of second-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a weapon, armed robbery, kidnapping, and extortion, and three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a weapon. The crimes occurred in late September of 2011 outside 2001 Limerick at Webber on Saginaw’s southeast side.
In March, the victim testified at Champion’s preliminary hearing, but could not identify him as the offender. The Michigan State Police crime lab conducted tests that indicated a semen stain on the woman’s hoodie matched samples of Champion’s DNA.
Champion is currently serving five to 17 years for incidents that occurred in 2011 and 2013 involving second-degree home invasion, larceny in a building, and other crimes. He will serve the 22 to 40 years sentence concurrently with the sentence he is currently serving.
Rape is the most serious of all sex crimes, and is considered first-degree criminal sexual conduct, an offense that carries a maximum term of life in prison. The sentence handed down on Thursday is harsh, however likely not as harsh as it may have been had Champion not pleaded no contest to the charges and gone to trial on a not guilty plea.
Today, DNA evidence makes it tougher to defend allegations of rape and other sex crimes, however DNA on its own does not necessarily mean the alleged offender will be found guilty. It all depends on the circumstances and specific facts of each case. If you have been accused of rape, child pornography, Internet sex crimes, or any similar offense, a highly skilled Michigan sex crime attorney will work to protect your legal rights and minimize the damage, advising you of all of the legal options and the best way to proceed for the desired outcome. Do not face charges of sexual assault or rape without the legal guidance and support of a capable defense lawyer.