FLINT, Mich. — A Flint man has been found guilty of repeatedly raping a minor, with convictions that could lead him to spend the rest of his life behind bars, officials announced after a recent jury trial. David Ryan Sampson, 34, faced charges in Genesee County Circuit Court where he was convicted on three counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct involving a young victim aged between 13 and 16.
Prosecutor David Leyton detailed that the offenses surfaced when the victim disclosed the assaults to a friend. The conversation was overheard by the friend’s father, who took immediate action by informing the victim’s mother and subsequently, the police. It was revealed that the victim’s mother and Sampson had been in a relationship for about six years, sharing their residence during the time the abuses were committed.
Authorities gathered during the trial that Sampson had begun his inappropriate conduct with the young victim before she turned 10. During the period of abuse, Sampson provided the minor with marijuana and alcohol, reportedly as precursors to the sexual assaults. These encounters were not confined to one location; they occurred at multiple places including Sampson’s own home, Stepping Stone Falls, and Kelly Lake in Burton.
Prosecutor Leyton condemned the convict’s actions in strong terms, emphasizing the betrayal of a trusted position within the family. “This case involves flagrant violations by an individual perceived as a father figure, exploiting a vulnerable youth,” Leyton stated. The distress expressed by the community over this betrayal was substantial, with Leyton affirming the assailant’s actions warranted stern legal repercussions.
The team responsible for bringing Sampson to justice included lead trial attorney Ezekiel Zanetta and assistant prosecutor Zachary Serzo, along with support staff spanning secretaries, paralegals, and victim advocates. Leyton praised their coordinated efforts which culminated in the successful conviction.
Additionally, the Genesee County Parks law enforcement division was credited for their initial handling of the case when the incident at Stepping Stone Falls first came to light.
With the conviction secured, Sampson now awaits sentencing scheduled for May 2, where he faces up to a life sentence. This case has drawn attention not only for the severity of the charges but for the multi-location nature of the offenses and the prolonged period over which they occurred.
The impacts of such cases ripple through the community, underscoring the importance of vigilance and the role of law enforcement in safeguarding vulnerable populations, especially minors. This conviction also serves as a grave reminder of the critical role that individuals can play in reporting and thereby halting ongoing abuse.
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