Man Gets Prison For Years-Long Sexual Assault Involving Girl At Farm

CASSOPOLIS (WWJ/AP) - A 68-year-old southwestern Michigan man who authorities say sexually assaulted a girl for seven years at a rural farm will spend up to 45 years in prison.

Leon Watson of Vandalia was sentenced Friday in Cass County Circuit Court, The South Bend Tribune reported.

A jury convicted Watson in March of two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Watson, who testified at trial, denied any wrongdoing.

Authorities say the girl was 7-years-old when the assaults began in 2007 and about 14 when they ended after she confided to friends and a school counselor. She testified during the trial about the assaults, which authorities say took place at his farm.

TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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