LaBelle sentenced to 30 years in prison

    Raymond Jon LaBelle, 39, of Washington was sentenced to 30 years in prison Thursday after pleading guilty to three counts of third-degree sexual abuse, each a Class C felony that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.

    LaBelle had been charged with five counts of third-degree sexual abuse after being arrested Aug. 10 for allegedly harboring a runaway and probation violation on willful injury. The sexual abuse charges were filed Sept. 23. The charges alleged that LaBelle committed multiple sex acts on a 15-year-old female. Court documents stated that she had been 14 years old in at least one of the instances.

    Washington County Attorney Barbara Edmondson recommended that LaBelle serve consecutive sentences due to the nature of the crime, the impact on the victim and because he was on probation for a charge of willful injury at the time the offenses were committed. District Court Judge Joel Yates ordered the sentences to be served consecutively for a total sentence of 30 years, citing LaBelle?s prior criminal record, the seriousness of the offense and the impact the crime will have on the victim and her family. LaBelle will also be on lifetime parole as a sex offender, and will be required to register as a sex offender after he has completed his sentence. LaBelle was also ordered to complete sex offender treatment and pay court costs and victim restitution.

    According to court records, the Washington Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff?s Office began a joint investigation on Aug. 3 after the victim made sexual abuse allegations. The affidavit filed by Washington Police Detective Lyle Hansen stated the victim reported having sexual contact with LaBelle numerous times, at least once against her will. The records reported that DNA evidence had supported the victim?s allegations. The court records show multiple incidents taking place between February and June of 2010.

For more, see our Dec. 27 print edition.