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LUDINGTON — The 19-year-old Scottville man accused of statutory rape and stabbing the victim’s father rejected a plea offer from the prosecutor this afternoon. Stephen Mikel Fairlamb appeared in 51st Circuit Court. He is being charged with assault with intent to commit murder, felonious assault and criminal sexual conduct third degree. Count 1 has a maximum penalty of life in prison, count 2 is up to five years in prison and count 3 is up to 15 years in prison.
Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola offered to drop the first count in exchange for Fairlamb pleading guilty to counts 2 and 3. He would receive 5 to 15 years in prison for the CSC charge and 15 months for count 2, which would run concurrent.
Fairlamb was arrested by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office following the alleged stabbing incident that took Sept. 22 at both victims’ residence, 4550 S. Darr Road in Eden Township.
Fairlamb was living at the home but was not related to the 37-year-old stabbing victim. The incident began when the stabbing victim learned of a possible relationship between his 14-year-old daughter and Fairlamb, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office.
The stabbing victim was flown by Aeromed ambulance and treated at a Grand Rapids hospital following the incident. He sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
He is being lodged at the Mason County jail on a $500,000 cash bond.
Judge Richard Cooper displayed a rare incident of displeasure towards defense attorney David Glancy after Glancy turned down the plea offer but stated he was sure that the defendant and the prosecutor could work something out.
“I’m seriously considering doing away with final conferences,” Cooper said.
As of now, Fairlamb is scheduled to go to trial on Feb. 12-14, 2014, unless a plea agreement can be reached.
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