Former Ann Arbor Teacher Going to Prison for Involvement with Child Sex Sting

Gerald Holley, a 57-year-old former teacher in Ann Arbor, is facing two years in prison after being caught in a child sex sting. Holley admitted he expected to have sex with a child, and pleaded guilty to three counts of child sexually abusive activity and one count of communicating via computer to commit a crime. Each of the sex abuse counts carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, but Holley’s attorney negotiated a plea bargain with the prosecution.

Being accused of a sex crime can hurt every aspect of your life. A Detroit sex crimes lawyer will be able to tell you what your options are. Our team at Drias Law Group can answer any questions you have about sexual offenses, and one of our dedicated attorneys can work with you to determine what your best option is. Call us right away at (313) 944-0236 for a free initial consultation.

Holley’s Internet Activity Exposed in Sting

Holley was accused of looking for children to have sex with on the Internet. While doing so, he began talking to an undercover detective pretending to be a child. Holley was then arrested when he showed to a meeting expecting to see the child he’d been talking to. Holley had been a full-time teacher for Ann Arbor Public Schools since 1989. Most recently, he taught science at Pioneer High School, where he was also the head baseball coach.

Plea Bargain Results in Less Prison Time For Child Sex Conviction

Holley’s sentence of two years in prison is significantly below the maximum penalty he could have faced. This was the result of the plea bargain Holley and his attorney reached with the opposing side. In exchange for Holley pleading guilty, the prosecution recommended a lighter sentence to the judge. Per the agreement, if the judge sentenced Holley to a prison term longer than the minimum allowed by law, Holley could take back his guilty plea and take his case to trial.

Michigan Law Assigns Steep Penalties to Child Sex Offenses

Michigan law recognizes three forms of child sexually abusive activity:

• Creating child sexually abusive material by convincing a child to engage in some sort of sexual activity. This charge has a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and $100,000 in fines.
• Possession of child sexually abusive material, such as photos or videos. This can send you to jail for up to four years and cost you as much as $10,000.
• Distributing or promoting child sexually abusive material. This carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison and $50,000 in fines.

If you could reasonably be expected to know that the material you’re viewing or sending features anyone under the age of 18, you may be liable for one of these offenses.

Talk to An Attorney at Drias Law Group If You’ve Been Charged With a Sex Crime

If you’re in the Michigan area, our team at Drias Law Group can answer any questions you may have about sexual offenses and their defenses. Sex crime attorney Martin Drias can analyze your unique case and decide what your best course of action is. Schedule your free consultation by calling (313) 944-0236, or reach out using our online form to see how we can help you today.