ST. JOSEPH, Mich. (AP) -- A judge has sentenced a man to two life sentences plus more time for 20 counts stemming from a string of gunpoint kidnappings and assaults that terrorized Benton Harbor.
Berrien County Trial Court Judge Charles LaSata sentenced 33-year-old Terrance Dawson of Benton Township on Monday to two life sentences for rape convictions and 50-year sentences on five kidnapping charges.
LaSata told Dawson the crimes "traumatized an entire community" last summer. He says many people will sleep more soundly knowing that Dawson will be imprisoned a long time.
Chief Assistant Prosecutor Michael Sepic told The Herald-Palladium of St. Joseph that Dawson will spend two years in prison on 10 firearms-related offenses before starting the other sentences.
Dawson claimed during his bench trial last month he did not commit the crimes.
Published: Thu, Jan 6, 2011
