Newton man sentenced to at least 152 years in prison in child sex abuse case

Michael Anthony Myers, 51, of Newton, was sentenced today (June 11) to 152 to 248 years in prison after a Catawba County jury convicted him yesterday of 19 counts of charge of sexual offenses with two minor victims. The jury needed less than an hour to convict Myers. The verdict marks the conclusion of a three-week trial in Catawba County Superior Court, with the Honorable William A. Wood, Guilford County Superior Court Judge, presiding.

Myers was convicted of four counts of rape of a victim aged 15 or younger; two counts of statutory sexual offense with a victim 15 years of age or younger; two counts of incest; six counts of sexual conduct committed by a substitute parent; and five counts of indecent liberties with a child. Myers was also given a permanent no contact order and will be required to register as a sex offender for a period of 30 years. He will serve his incarceration in the custody of the North Carolina Division of Adult Corrections.

Jury selection began on May 28 and was followed by the presentation of state and defense evidence, leading to closing arguments on the morning of June 10. After the judge's presentation, the jury received the case for deliberation at approximately 3:30 p.m. the same day and delivered his verdict shortly after 4 p.m.

The offenses against the two female victims began when they were both around 10 years old and lasted for four to six years. Assistant District Attorney Jessica Phillips expressed gratitude to the victims for their bravery and courage.

Will Garrett conducted the investigation on behalf of the Newton Police Department with assistance from the Catawba County Child Advocacy Center. Assistant DA Phillips prosecuted the case with the assistance of paralegal Dea Crowe.