18-year-old man sentenced for accosting a 15-year-old girl

Clark

By Allison Scarbrough. OCP Editor.

HART — An 18-year-old Hesperia man was ordered to serve three months in jail during his sentencing in 27th Circuit Court Monday, Feb. 2, for accosting a 15-year-old girl via the Internet.

Thomas Allen Clark, who has been lodged in jail for past 74 days, pleaded guilty Dec. 22 to accosting a minor child for immoral purposes, which is a four-year felony.

Oceana County Prosecutor Joe Bizon said Clark used “various apps and computer chats” to communicate with the girl. No sexual contact occurred, he said.

His conviction stems from incidents that occurred Oct. 10 to Nov. 4 in Newfield Township, Judge Anthony A. Monton said during Clark’s December pretrial hearing. Monton asked, “Did you ask a minor child to engage in sex with you?” Clark answered, “Yes.”

Monton sentenced Clark to six months discretionary jail with three months forthwith and credit for his 74 days already served. He was also ordered to five years probation; must register as a sex offender; $198 in fines and costs; no contact with the victim; and must not be near schools, parks, day care centers and other places where children are known to be located.