| Copyright 2015 linkinglewiscounty.com all rights reserved privacy policy here |
Court this morning for sentincing, with acting Lewis County Judge Honorable John H. Crandall presiding. On May 14th, Mr. Mihalyi entered a GUILTY plea to one count of first-degree Criminal Sexual Act, a class "B" felony. satisfying all nine counts of a grand jury indictment he was arraigned on in January. The case had been scheduled for a July trial. In court this morning, Mr. Mihalyi was sentenced to serve 12 years in State prison followed by 20 years of post-release parole. He was additionally ordered to pay $1,425 in court fees and an order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim for 8 years from the maximum release date. Mr. Mihayli then appeared in Town of Martinsburg court, where he was sentenced to one year in jail, to run concurrently with the prison sentence, on a charge of forcible touching involving a different victim. Lewis County District Attorney Leanne Moser read a powerful victim impact statement from the family, becoming emotional at times. Mr. Mihayli stood with his head done throughout the process. When asked by Judge Crandall if he had anything to say prior to sentencing, he simply replied "no". Mr. Mihalyi was accused of engaging in sexual activity with a fourteen year old male victim between the dates of August 1 and September 30, 2017.
linkinglewiscounty.com and unedited: To those Involved, Unfortunately, this world, our cities, and our towns are no longer safe places: a know fact for most, but now, an unpleasant reality for our oldest son and our whole family. No matter how kind, good, or sincere people may seem, we must ALWAYS BE CAREFUL; we must not let down our guard and fight to protect our children and families. Sadly, there are people out there that chose to spend much of their time and even most of their lives seeking out and preying upon good people and their children. They make their way into our homes with kind words, helpful actions and gifts. They gain our trust and then proceed to work their schemes, slowly but steadily. They seek to destroy the family union, divide siblings, violate trust and destroy years of careful parenting and upbringing. Only someone with selfish and evil intentions can truly convince themselves that this sort of behavior is okay and commendable. Lying to, deceiving and plundering one family after another is not okay and unacceptable. It calls for serious consequences , and when these actions lead to a young individuals being sexually abused for the satisfaction of these individuals, it is a CRIME. We are not sure, as parents, what caused our son to become a victim. We do not wish this harm to come upon anyone's family or children. What the perpetrator's full intentions were are unknown, but we are grateful that they were stopped. If our son had not known our love and care for him, we wonder if he would not have told us. If kind neighbors with watchful eyes had not warned us, what could have happened to our son? If our son had not spoke up, how long he would have suffered only God knows. Thankfully, for all involved, this time was the last time. The perpetrator chose the perfect victim and the right family. Even though very hard to deal with, we became the ones to bring his crimes to light. There was no way, as a family and parents, that we were going to suffer in silence. We know what is wrong and will not allow someone to destroy our family. We got help and brought the matter to attention. The past few months have been challenging, emotional, and hard at times. Our son has faced fear, anxiety, and countless trials. Our parenting has been challenged, authority questioned and love tested. We have had many sleepless nights, feared for our own safety and hoped for justice to bring this awful trial o an end. It has not been easy. In Addition, these past few months have been good too. We have experienced the concern and compassion shown to us by our fellow neighbors, law enforcement officers and the legal agencies. We have grown in our knowledge of the dangers we all face in society. Our son is recovering and moving on despite the abuse he endured. He is becoming stronger in his character and learning to discern and judge the actions of others. Our family is recovering and becoming stronger. We are daily aware of the importance of safety in our daily lives, and the importance in protecting each other from harm. The alarm needs to be heard across our country, cities and towns. We need to protect each other and look out for one another. Those made aware are often spared. No family, child, sibling or loved one should have to suffer sexual abuse. The offender needs to face consequences for their actions, lose what means most to them and know how much it hurts to have your life tainted. They need to face reality and see just how harmful and lasting their poor choices are. NO ONE should have to suffer for the pure selfish satisfaction of another. It is with deep sadness that our society has to deal with abuse, broken families and violated youth. So many countless faces, fake smiles and silent voices hide untold stories and raw wounds in need of healing. May God have mercy on our country and the souls of those who commit these crimes. As the prosecutor, we ask as parents, citizens, and victims, that you will continue to fight and uphold the ensurance of our safety for all children and families. May God grant you wisdom and guidance as you serve the people you have sworn to protect. |
| Mihalyi Sentenced on Criminal Sex Act Charge; Emotional DA Reads Powerful Statement from Victim's Family 07/06/18 03:30pm By: Nick Altmire |
Wayne D. Mihalyi