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Jury Convicts Corey Kessler on 20 CSC Charges: Possible Life Imprisonment
Deena Bruderick/ Posted by Sydney Schefka
Thu, 25 Jul 2024 14:37:45 EDT
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In a swift decision, a Huron County jury has found Corey Arthur-Clair Kessler, 47, of Caseville, guilty of ten counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) in the 1st Degree and ten counts in the 2nd Degree.
The jury, consisting of eight men and four women, delivered their verdict on Wednesday, after less than an hour of deliberation. The 1st Degree charges could result in a life sentence, with a minimum of 25 years required.
The case centered on allegations that Kessler sexually abused his biological daughter from when she was four years old until she was ten. The abuse was initially revealed during a Child Advocacy Center interview in May 2023.
Originally facing fewer charges, the counts were increased after the victim testified at a preliminary hearing, detailing that the abuse occurred more than fifty times.
During the trial, held on July 23rd and 24th, the victim described how the abuse became a routine part of her life, recounting how Kessler had manipulated her into believing that no one would believe her.
Huron County Prosecuting Attorney Timothy Rutkowski, presented testimony from the victim, her mother, and detective Ford from the Huron County Sheriff's Department. The defense, which included testimony from Kessler and his son, argued that the charges were false, but the jury ultimately sided with the prosecution.
After the guilty verdict, Rutkowski praised the victim's courage in testifying, noting that her bravery could serve as an inspiration for other victims of sexual assault. Sentencing for Kessler is set for September 30th, where he could face life in prison.
