CLEARFIELD – A Philipsburg teen accused of having sex with a 14-year-old girl pleaded guilty Tuesday during sentencing court.
Michael George Bickle, 19, was charged with rape and related offenses after an incident Aug. 26 in Osceola Mills.
On Tuesday he pleaded guilty to statutory sexual assault, indecent assault and corruption of minors.
He was sentenced to six months to two years in state prison by Judge Paul Cherry, who commented that he believes Bickle will be able to receive the appropriate treatment in a state facility.
In addition, he will have to register with law enforcement under Megan’s Law for 25 years. Bickle had an assessment that concluded that he is not a sexually violent predator.
Prior to sentencing, Bickle’s attorney, Curtis Irwin argued for a county sentence, saying that Bickle had never been in trouble before this incident.
When the victim’s mother addressed the court, she pointed out that it took him “less than 20 days” to manipulate the victim into having sex with him. She stated that he fully took advantage of the girl.
Bickle also addressed the court, saying he has had time to think about what he has done and is sorry.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, the girl’s mother told police the girl had been raped. The girl had red marks on the right side of her neck and her chest that she explained were caused by Bickle sucking on her neck.
The victim told a representative of the Clearfield County Children’s Advocacy Center that she had sex with Bickle at a shed outside her residence in Osceola Mills.
During his interview with investigators, Bickle admitted to having sex with the girl.