Man accused of statutory rape, stabbing to appear in court Wednesday

Stephen Fairlamb

LUDINGTON — Stephen Mikel Fairlamb, the 19-year-old Scottville man accused of statutory rape and stabbing the victim’s father is scheduled to appear in 51st Circuit Court Wednesday at 9 a.m. At that time, Fairlamb is expected to enter a plea.

Fairlamb was arrested by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office following the alleged Sept. 22, 2013 stabbing incident that took place 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.

Fairlamb is 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. On Dec. 3 he rejected a plea by the Mason County Prosecutor’s Office. 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.

He is being lodged at the Mason County jail on a $500,000 cash bond.

Fairlamb is scheduled to go to trial on Feb. 12-14, 2014, unless a plea agreement can be reached.