La Grande man gets nearly 19 years for abusing girl

LA GRANDE, Ore. (AP) – A La Grande man convicted of sexually abusing a girl for four years has been sentenced to almost 19 years in prison.

The Observer newspaper reports Michael Altherr-Miller of La Grande was found guilty by a jury last month.

Prosecutors said the victim was 11 years old at the start of the abuse and it lasted until she was 15.

The victim said in court Tuesday that Altherr-Miller made “suffering a lifestyle” and his actions have changed her forever.

The defense submitted 20 letters in support of Altherr-Miller by family and friends who spoke to his character. Union County District Attorney Kelsie McDaniel said none of the letters acknowledged that Altherr-Miller was convicted of sexually abusing a child on multiple occasions.

Judge Thomas Powers rejected the defense’s bid for a six-year sentence.

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Information from: The (La Grande) Observer, http://www.lagrandeobserver.com/