Man Sentenced to 22 Years for Sexual Abuse of Granddaughter

48-year-old Vernon Tumbleston was convicted on two counts of criminal sexual conduct and was sentenced to 22 years in jail.  Additionally, he was sentenced to five years of probation for committing a lewd act on a child, which was reduced from 15 years in prison.

Assistant Solicitor Debbie Herring-Lash initially pursued four counts of criminal sexual conduct in the first degree.  Criminal sexual conduct in the first degree occurs only when the victim is a minor under the age of 10.

The abuse of Tumbleston’s granddaughter happened between 2001 and 2004.  Her testimony went a long way in securing Tumbleston’s conviction, said Herring-Lash.