The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

Local News

November 7, 2009

<img src=" http://www.joplinglobeonline.com/images/zope/courts.gif " border=0> Probation assessed in child-sex case in Cherokee County

COLUMBUS, Kan. — A Baxter Springs man on Friday was sentenced to three years of probation with intense supervision after being convicted of having sex with a child.

Michael Ashley, 30, pleaded “no contest” in February to felony aggravated indecent solicitation of a child. He originally was charged last year with rape of a then-13-year-old victim on Feb. 24, 2008.

The reduced charge was a result of a plea agreement between Cherokee County Attorney John Bullard and Ashley’s attorney, Eddie Battitori.

Cherokee County District Judge Kent Lynch on Friday sentenced Ashley to the Community Corrections Program, which requires frequent visits with a probation officer. Ashley also is required to register as a sex offender and receive treatment as a sex offender.

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