Man sentenced to over 20 years for sexual assault
A 31-year-old man was sentenced on April 26, 2024, to 21 years in prison for sexually assaulting a person whom he knew.
A jury convicted Michael Watkins last June of rape, abduction, two counts of aggravated sexual battery, sodomy, two counts of strangulation, and brandishing a firearm for violently attacking the woman on Sept. 12, 2019 while she was at his home.
Judge Matthew Hoffman imposed another 80 years of incarceration in prison that was suspended based on good behavior and completion of three years of probation. Watkins will be required to register as a sex offender. He has noted he plans to appeal.
Before sentencing, the victim wrote the judge an impact statement explaining how the hours-long attack has ongoing negative impact on her life.