COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Former Quincy school teacher and Information Technology Director Jason Ferrell was ordered to serve between seven years, 11 months and 15 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections on Monday in Branch County Circuit Court after he entered no contest pleas November 27, 2017 to two counts of third degree criminal sexual conduct.
Ferrell’s sentence was handed down after he was publicly embarrassed by the former student he sexually abused in 2016.
In a firm and steady voice, the victim said not only was she sexually assaulted but she was convinced by Ferrell it was the best thing for her.
She also said as a young teen, Ferrell grossly took advantage of her.
Ferrell was called a predator several times during her statement.
With family members standing next to her, the victim blasted Quincy school officials for “going to great lengths to protect my predator.”
She also said as a 16-year-old she spent the entire summer in her house and that her future children will not go to a public school.
Ferrell denied a chance to speak on his own behalf. Defense attorney James Champion tried in vain to argue for a lighter sentence for his client saying he had no previous criminal record and that his young children should reunite with him sooner than later.
Judge Bill O’Grady called Ferrell’s crime extremely shocking and that his selfish act has caused this community an incredible amount of unmeasurable pain. The judge also said Ferrell’s path of destruction will be forever and that it will not end when the defendant time in prison is over.
Ferrell was originally charged with six counts after he had sexual relations in 2016 with a former female student of his. In exchange for Ferrell’s pleas, two other third Degree CSC counts as well as two first Degree CSC charges were dismissed by prosecutors and they will pursue no further charges pertaining to the victim in these cases.
Ferrell was given credit for 285 days he has already served in the Branch County Jail.
