July 5, 2018 8:52 am
Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announces that earlier today Lawrence resident Michael L. Henderson, 38, was sentenced after a jury found him guilty of Electronic Solicitation following a three day jury trial that began on April 9, 2018. At today’s hearing the Court denied Henderson’s motion for probation and sentenced him to serve 55 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) for the single charge. When Henderson is released, he will have 36 months post release supervision and he will be required to register as a sex offender for 25 years.
Today’s sentencing stems from an October 2016 investigation by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DGSO). A private citizen contacted DGSO and told investigators that she believed Henderson was attempting to meet young girls online for sexual purposes. DGSO was assisted in the investigation by a detective with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO). The JCSO detective, posing as a 14-year-old girl, responded to an ad placed online by Henderson. Henderson believed he was communicating with a 14-year-old girl and stated he was looking for, “adult fun.” He later solicited sexual intercourse, offered to bring condoms and made arrangements to meet the 14-year-old girl. He drove himself to the address where he believed the 14-year-old girl lived and he was arrested. When arrested, he was found to be in possession of condoms.
Today’s sentencing hearing was held in the courtroom of the Honorable Paula B. Martin. The case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. Chief Assistant District Attorney David Melton and Assistant District Attorney Hannah Wittman prosecuted the case. The case was defended by Nick David.
*Rule 226 - Kansas Rules of Professional Conduct
3.6 Advocate: Trial Publicity
3.8 Advocate: Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor
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