KINGMAN – A convicted sex offender from Bullhead City who is already serving more than a century long prison term was given more time behind bars during a Friday sentencing hearing in Kingman. Michael Barrett was previously convicted of ten counts of sexual exploitation of a minor for cell phone possession of images of children engaged in various acts of pornography.
Barrett, in a second case, had also been charged with three counts of child molestation involving three female teenagers under the age of 15. Barrett pleaded guilty to reduced counts of attempted child molestation for touching the girls who were friends of his children, according to prosecutor Jacob Cote.
One of the victims stepped forward to address the Court but found herself unable to speak.
“This has been a long road for her,” the girl’s mother told Judge Sipe as she dabbed back tears. “She’s not the same girl today as she was then. We’re getting through it.”
The woman said her daughter is suffering through anxiety, PTSD, depression and suicidal ideations.
As mandated under terms of the deal, Judge Billy Sipe imposed another 20 years to be served upon completion of his 135 year prison sentence. Sipe also ordered lifetime probation, though he noted that Barrett would die in prison before probation comes into play.
Defense attorney Sandra Carr said Barrett suffered horrific abuse during his own childhood. She said Barrett has good issues to raise in his appeal of his convictions and sentences.
