Local man gets 12 years for trying to rape girl
A local man was given a 12-year prison sentence for molesting his 12-year-old neighbor.
The man, Marcus Nelson, 25, entered a guilty plea before Circuit Court Judge Bart Stanley to the charge of attempted rape. He was originally charged with child rape, a charge which carries 15 to 25 years in jail. However, prosecutors say Nelson was allowed to take a plea to a lesser charge to spare the child from having to endure a trial. The incident occurred in August 2001. The crime involved improper touching of the girl and happened on one occasion.
“After speaking with everyone involved, we felt it was in the best interest of the child not have to go through a trial,” said District Attorney General Dale Potter.
Along with concerns over the psychological welfare of the young girl were questions over Nelson’s mental capacity. While Nelson was found competent to stand trial following a mental evaluation, the defense maintained the defendant suffers from mental problems. Nelson’s apparent inability to understand the legal proceedings against him, prompted the court to delay an earlier attempt to enter the plea a few weeks ago. The plea was put off until Nelson’s counsel could further explain the process to the defendant.