PLATTSBURGH — Michael R. Nelson was sentenced to 20-years-to-life in prison for sexually abusing a young girl over the course of several years.
Nelson, 38, was sentenced by Clinton County Court Judge Keith M. Bruno on Tuesday, Aug. 20. He appeared in court with his attorney Dan Gaudreau, but did not speak.
An indictment filed by the Clinton County Grand Jury on Dec. 21, 2023 charged Nelson with predatory sexual assault against a child, a class A-II felony, said Clinton County District Attorney Andrew J. Wylie.
On June 14, a jury found Nelson guilty of that charge, Wylie said. Jurors rendered their decision following a five-day trial.
In addition to a surcharge and mandatory fees associated with his conviction, the court also ordered a stay-away order of protection for the child which remains in effect until August of 2049, and requires Nelson to register as a sex offender.
“I admire the bravery of this young girl for coming forward to end this abuse and the courage she showed when she was forced to confront this defendant in a very public setting after he refused to take responsibility for his actions,” Wylie said.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kurt Reh.