Man sentenced to 7 years in prison for sexual assault of 13-year old girl

GALVESTON, Texas – A 37-year-old man was sentenced to seven years in prison for sexual assault of a child, according to a release from Galveston County.

James Michael Miranda was sentenced on Friday after a lengthy battle in court.

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Miranda was arrested and charged in September 2014 after witness testimony revealed Miranda's victim was 13 years old at the time of the assault and had known him for some time prior to the assault.

During the trial, the victim outlined the extent of the sexual abuse, which spanned about a year, according to the release.

The last assault took place shortly before the victim told a friend about the abuse.

Miranda, who had no prior criminal history, faced a sentencing range of 5 years to 99 years or life.

The jury set Miranda’s punishment at seven years.

He will not be eligible for parole until he has served about 3 1/2 years of his sentence.

Once released from prison, Miranda will be required to register for life, every 90 days, as a sex offender.