Mount Vernon man who pleaded guilty to child rape gets suspended sentence

MOUNT VERNON, Wash. (AP) — A 66-year-old man who pleaded guilty to child rape in December will not spend any time in prison.


The Skagit Valley Herald reports Ismael Sermento Mejia was sentenced Thursday to an 11-year suspended prison sentence. He will get credit for time served toward a six-month jail term if he fulfills sentencing requirements.

Court documents say Mejia was suspected of engaging in sexual contact with an 8-yar-old girl in October 2014.

Defense lawyer John Crowley had argued for the suspended sentence due to his client's age, limited criminal history and his guilty plea.

Mejia must register as a sex offender and complete a treatment program.