A Marion County man who sexually abused a child relative will serve just over 10 years in state prison after admitting to a string of sex crimes involving the 12-year-old family member. On April 23, 2026, Marion County Circuit Court Judge Manuel Perez sentenced 36-year-old Michael Ryan Sims to 125 months behind bars after Sims pleaded guilty to multiple sex offenses tied to abuse that prosecutors say took place in October 2024 at his home. Investigators said they traced explicit messages on phones and social media back to Sims, which led to his arrest in January 2025.
District Attorney Paige Clarkson condemned the conduct as “particularly heinous” and said the sentence “reflects a measure of accountability,” according to the Marion County District Attorney's Office. The office publicly thanked investigators and child-advocacy partners for their work in bringing the case forward, calling the outcome an example of coordinated efforts to safeguard children in the community. For the full statement, see the news release from the Marion County District Attorney's Office.
Case details and evidence
Sims pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree sodomy, second-degree rape and luring a minor, as reported by KOIN. According to authorities, the abuse came to light when the victim's father discovered explicit messages between Sims and the child, and officials say the victim's siblings were frequently present in the home while the abuse was taking place.
Sentence and prosecution
Judge Manuel Perez imposed the 125-month prison term and ordered Sims to register as a sex offender, the Marion County District Attorney's Office said in its news release. The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Matthew Estrada, and officials declined to share further details, citing the need to protect the privacy of the child victims involved.
Local context
Prosecutors say this sentencing is one of several recent Marion County cases that have carried lengthy prison terms for crimes against minors, a trend that local reporters and officials describe as highlighting the office's emphasis on holding family members who harm children fully accountable. For additional details on this case, see the Marion County District Attorney's Office.
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