Michael O'Neal Armstrong, 47, pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal sexual conduct, and was sentenced by Circuit Judge Keith Kelly.
The mother of a 13-year-old girl reported the crime to the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office on Jan. 16, 2018. The mother reported the crime occurred on multiple occasions over a three-year period but she recently learned of the situation. The victim disclosed the details of the crime during a forensic exam at the Children’s Advocacy Center.
"I hope the sentence and closure of this criminal case is a positive step for the victim in her recovery,": Deputy Solicitor Kim Leskanic said.
Armstrong will serve 85 percent of the prison sentence before he is eligible for release. His name will be added to the Sex Offender Registry. Armstrong's prior criminal record included convictions for receiving stolen goods and a parole revocation.