Amber man pleads to CSC, faces 30 years in prison

Lyle speaks with his attorney, David Glancy.

Editor’s Note: The topic of the following article is in relation to a man who has pleaded guilty for criminal sexual conduct against a child. MCP’s policy is to not post the names of the victims involved in sexual crimes. This story may include details that some consider too graphic. If you are uncomfortable with such topics, please do not read any further.

Lyle testifies to Judge Cooper.

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief.

LUDINGTON — A 72-year-old Amber Township man pleaded guilty this morning to criminal sexual conduct against a child he is related to. Wayne Lyle faces 15 to 30 years in prison. He appeared in front of Judge Richard Cooper in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court.

Lyle appeared in court last week but the hearing had to be adjourned due to him becoming emotional. He was initially charged with criminal sexual conduct first degree, repeat offender, and CSC second degree. Because of the repeat offender status, he would have faced life in prison for the first offense and up to 15 years in prison for the second offense.

Prosecutor Paul Spaniola offered Lyle two additional counts of CSC second degree, fourth offense, in exchange for dropping the first two counts.

Lyle has three previous felonies, dating back to a 1963 conviction of breaking and entering, a 1966 conviction for burglary and a 1989 conviction of CSC first degree. All the offenses took place in Mason County.

Lyle told the court he was also jailed for arson.

The recent offense took place over a two year period and involved non-penetrating sexual acts with a girl beginning when she was 9-years-old. She is now 12. Lyle also talked about acts against another girl, who is older. He said they took place at his apartment at Wildwood Apartments in Amber Township but he also admitted to the acts against the older girl taking place when he and his wife lived in Benzonia.

Lyle is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 14, 2014 at 2:15 p.m.