Caseyville man gets 16 years in prison for engaging in sex act with 12-year-old

St. Clair County Chief Judge John Baricevic sentenced a Caseyville man on Wednesday to 16 years in prison for predatory criminal sexual assault.

Micah W. Stephans, 30, pleaded guilty to engaging in sex act with a 12-year-old girl.

“The police and prosecution appreciate the solid sentence and the family of the victim are relieved the child doesn’t have to be put through the trauma of a trial,” said St. Clair State’s Attorney Brendan Kelly.

Caseyville Police Sgt. Scott Miller, who committed suicide in September, investigated the case. Assistant State’s Attorney Bernadette Schrempp prosecuted the case. Shrempp asked for a 20-year sentence.

Alex Enyart, Stephan’s attorney, asked for a six-year sentence. Enyart could not be reached for comment on Thursday.

In addition to the predatory criminal sexual assault, Stephans was initially charged with four counts of indecent solicitation of a child and four counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Those charges were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

After his release, Stephans must register as a sex offender.

Stephans remains in custody at the St. Clair County Jail.

This story was originally published March 31, 2016 at 3:24 PM with the headline "Caseyville man gets 16 years in prison for engaging in sex act with 12-year-old."