A 69-year-old St. Joseph County man has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term for the sexual assault of a relative two decades ago, according to last Friday's announcement from the Michigan Attorney General's office. Geral Whitney of Harrison received a 20 to 30-year sentence after a county jury conviction in May for one count of First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct and two counts of Second-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel emphasized the significance of the sentencing. "This significant sentence sends a clear message that no matter how much time has passed, justice is possible for sexual assault survivors," Nessel said, as per the Michigan Attorney General's Office. The prosecution, originally spearheaded by local authorities in 2023, was transferred to be spearheaded by the Department of Attorney General at the request of the local prosecutor in 2024.
The case reflects a persistent dedication to pursuing long-unresolved cases of sexual assault, a priority outlined by AG Nessel's office. With investigations initially led by the St. Joseph County Sheriff and Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the case underscores coordinated efforts between various levels of law enforcement and the Attorney General's office to bring offenders to justice.
Sentencing Judge Paul Stutesman imposed the prison term on Whitney in the 45th Circuit Court. The prosecution's management was transferred to the Department of Attorney General at the request of the local prosecutor's office last year, showcasing a shared commitment across different arms of the law to formally hold to account individuals accused of perpetrating such crimes.
