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CASSOPOLIS — A former Niles area resident was sentenced to jail and probation Friday in Cass County Circuit Court for molesting two young children.

Calvin Dean Clark, 65, now of Ohio, pleaded no contest to two counts of attempted second-degree criminal sexual conduct against victims age 13 or younger and was sentenced to five years probation, 365 days in jail with credit for 138 days served, registration as a sex offender and $1,176 in fines and costs.

The incident occurred in April of 2023 at a location in Milton Township against two children ages nine and 10.

The mother of the two children spoke before the sentencing. “We trusted him, we thought we were a happy and peaceful family, we had hopes and dreams for the future,” she said. “We thought we were happy and strong and good and he completely fooled and blindsided us.”

“I trusted him with my children and he was a monster every day,” she added. “There is no sleep or peace for us. This has shaken our world and taken away everything that makes us feel secure. There is no peace as long as he’s still living. The damage he has done has been irreparable to our family.”

 Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz asked for a sentence at the top of the guidelines. “The victims are brave individuals,” he said. “It has been devastating but they are recovering. The fact they stepped forward will change the trajectory of their life in a positive way. They can determine their future, not chained by the past.”

Defense attorney Robert Drake asked for a lower sentence, noting Clark’s lack of a prior record.

Cass County Circuit Court Judge Mark Herman noted that Clark is college educated and worked as an engineer before his retirement. “It’s hard to imagine what kind of satisfaction you’d get out of this,” he said. “Your actions were repugnant, selfish and without reason or justification.”

Judge Herman said he imposed a probation sentence in order for the court to have more control over the defendant and the situation. “Five years probation gives us the ability to monitor you, attend sex offender treatment and abide by the probation conditions,” he said.

He pointed out that Clark could still go to prison if he violates his probation.