NILES — A Niles Township man who had sexual relations with a 13-year-old will face time in prison for the crime.

Alan Michael Rosetto, 42, of Fulkerson Road in Niles Township, pleaded guilty Nov. 20, to third-degree criminal sexual conduct – a felony offense.

Judge Charles LaSata sentenced Rosetto Monday in Berrien County Trial Court. He ordered Rosetto to serve a minimum of 35 months to a maximum of 180 months in prison.

According to Assistant Prosecutor Attorney Jerry Vigansky, Rosetto committed multiple offenses against the victim between December 2017 and January 2018. The crimes occurred in Niles Township.

Vigansky described Rosetto’s criminal acts as “despicable.” He admonished Rosetto for refusing to hold himself accountable, instead blaming the victim.

“He’s a menace to society as far as kids are concerned,” Vigansky said. “He needs to be put away. He doesn’t take responsibility.”

Vigansky asked LaSata to maximize Rosetto’s sentence.

Rosetto was represented by Defense Attorney Scott Sanford, who said his client does not have a record of assaultive behavior. He suggested that the judge follow guideline recommendations for punishment.

When it was his turn to speak, Rosetto said he has a spinal cord injury which would have made committing the act he pleaded guilty to difficult. He described himself as a mere “participant” in the act.

“I would also like to say I’m sorry for any harm that I may have caused,” Rosetto said.

LaSata brought Rosetto back to his guilty plea.

“I have your guilty plea from Nov. 20, when you admitted to having sex with a [13]-year-old girl,” LaSata said. “Your description of the offense is that you did have sex with this [13]-year-old girl and that you were a participant in that act. Is that true?”

“Yes,” Rosetto said.

LaSata also said that a person must be 16 years old to consent to sex in the state of Michigan.

“She does not have the ability to consent,” LaSata said. “ You weren’t just some participant – if you think that helps you sleep at night. I’m telling you, you are a rapist. You raped a little girl and she has got to deal with that for the rest of her life.”

Rosetto has credit for 68 days served. He was also ordered to pay $198 in fines and costs and must take sex offender treatment while in prison.