GAFFNEY MAN RECEIVES 20-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE AFTER HE ADMITS TO SEXUALLY ASSAULTING A CHILD

A Gaffney man received a 20-year prison sentence today after he admitted to having sex with a young girl.

John A. Acrey, 36, of Lot 13, McCluney's Trailer Park, pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor before Circuit Judge Michael Baxley. Acrey entered the plea on the second day of his trial.

Acrey assaulted his former girlfriend's daughter 1997. The victim's family reported the incident to Gaffney police investigators on Sept. 30, 2002. Acrey described the incident in detail during an interview with a police investigator. The child described the assault during a police interview and a three-part forensic assessment at the Children's Advocacy Center. She was five-years-old when the assault occurred.

Assistant Solicitor Mike Morin said he agreed to end the case at the conclusion of his presentation today to guarantee closure for the victim's family. The first trial ended in a miss-trial in July with a 11-1 juror deadlock.

"It was important for the victim's family to see Mr. Acrey take responsibility for some heinous acts," Morin said. "I think we accomplished that with the plea. I would also like to congratulate Sgt. Christy Poole and Capt. Chris Skinner on a job well-done as they developed the case."

Acrey will have to serve 85 percent of the sentence before he is eligible for release. He will also have to register as a sex offender.