A 35-year-old Hoquiam man must serve at least 7 1/2 years in prison for giving a 13-year-old girl alcohol and having sexual contact with her in November after meeting her through Facebook.
Michael L. Davis was sentenced to 90 months to life in prison Tuesday as part of a plea agreement on a second-degree child rape charge. Davis previously admitted to having sexual contact with the girl after providing her with alcohol on Nov. 9. He must serve the minimum sentence before going to annual reviews to determine if he is fit for release.
Davis apologized for any trauma or emotional distress he has put the girl or her family through.
“I am very, very, sorry for what I’ve done,” he said. “I wish that I could take it back.”
Deputy prosecutor Katie Svoboda said Davis had the decency to acknowledge his mistake and own up to his crime without trying to blame the victim. Svoboda said he appeared remorseful.
“He took responsibility by pleading guilty,” she said.
Court records stated Davis, a former contract newspaper carrier for The Daily World, had previously messaged the girl through the social networking site. The girl told investigators she had told Davis she was 13 years old. She also knew his age.
They agreed he would pick her up at a nearby business one evening when she was grounded, court records stated. The girl told investigators Davis started touching and fondling her under her clothing as soon as she got in the vehicle.
Court records stated he drove to a remote location where they drank alcohol and had sexual intercourse. Investigators do not believe force was used, but because of her young age she is legally incapable of giving consent. Records indicate Davis has a daughter older than the victim.
Police found her the next day in Davis’ bedroom. Empty beer cans were found scattered throughout the room.
Defense attorney David Hatch said his client recognizes his poor judgment, saying alcohol played a role in his actions. He said Davis understands the consequences of what he had done to the girl and her family.
“These are always difficult cases,” Hatch said. “Mr. Davis is extremely sorry for his conduct … (But) he can’t undo it.”
Superior Court Judge Mark McCauley said it was strange to see someone without any significant criminal history commit such an act. He ordered the mid-range sentence, noting he believed the plea agreement had been carefully considered.
“It’s hard to understand why someone of your age would do this,” he told Davis. “(But) I think it’s a good recommendation under terrible circumstances.”
