A Newton man will spend 152 to 248 years in prison after a Catawba County jury found him guilty on 19 counts of sexual offenses with two minor female victims.
The jury needed less than an hour to convict 51-year-old Michael Anthony Myers on Monday, June 10, 2024, to conclude a trial that spanned portions of three weeks in Catawba County Superior Court.
The Honorable William A. Wood, Superior Court Judge from Guilford County, imposed the lengthy prison term for Myers on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, after the jury returned its guilty verdict a day earlier.
Judge Wood entered judgments for the defendant that included four counts of statutory rape of a victim 15 years old or younger; two counts of statutory sex offense with a victim 15 years old or younger; two counts of incest; six counts of sexual act by substitute parent; and five counts of indecent liberties with a child.
In addition, he entered a permanent no contact order and ruled that the defendant will have to register as a sex offender for a period of 30 years.
Myers will serve his incarceration period in the custody of the North Carolina Division of Adult Corrections.
“Today, justice has been served,” Assistant District Attorney Jessica Phillips said. “This outcome underscores our commitment to seeking justice for victims of sexual abuse and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to the victims for their bravery and courage. Facing one’s accuser in court is never easy, and their testimonies were vital in achieving this verdict. Their strength and resilience have been truly remarkable.
“This case highlights the importance of our continued efforts to support and protect victims of sexual crimes. We remain dedicated to ensuring that every victim has a voice and that their stories are heard.”
Jury selection started on Tuesday, May 28 and was followed by evidence presentation from the State and defense, leading to closing arguments on the morning of Monday, June 10.
Following the charge by the judge, the jury was given the case for deliberation around 3:30 p.m. the same day and returned its verdict shortly after 4 p.m.
The offenses against the two female victims started when they both were around 10 years of age and covered a period of four to six years.
Will Garrett led the investigation for the Newton Police Department along with assistance from the Children’s Advocacy and Protection Center of Catawba County (CAPC).
“The Newton Police Department continues to appreciate the partnership that we have with the District Attorney’s Office,” Newton Police Chief Vidal Sipe said. “Investigator Lieutenant William Garrett has done an outstanding job gathering all the evidence and facts to assist the District Attorney’s Office with this successful prosecution and sentence.
“We know the survivors of these horrible crimes have a long road ahead for recovery, but we pray this is a big step forward in that process. We are grateful that Mr. Myers will no longer be a physical threat to anyone else outside of prison walls.”
Assistant District Attorney Jessica Phillips prosecuted the matter for the State with aid from Legal Assistant Dea Crowe.