A jury convicted Michael Lareco Daniel on seven counts, which included rape, incest, and child molestation, in Athens, Georgia.
The victim, a 14-year-old girl, was brought to light when her mother discovered alarming text messages on her phone. To protect the child’s identity, both the girl and her mother are not identified by their real names and have a different surname from the father.
The mother revealed that Daniel often pressured her daughter to accompany him to their home office, instructing her to delete their exchanges if she didn’t comply.
Initially, the trial faced a setback as the Athens Clarke County District Attorney’s Office, having failed to subpoena a crucial witness, almost opted out due to insufficient evidence. This unexpected development left the family, especially the daughter, bewildered as they anticipated the trial to proceed.
Subsequently, the family enlisted the help of attorney Kevin Epps from Athens, who initiated a lawsuit for a Marsy’s Law violation, marking a significant legal move in Georgia.
Marsy’s Law safeguards the constitutional rights of victims of violent crimes in Georgia, ensuring their involvement in critical decisions such as case dismissals. The court acknowledged the violation of the girl’s rights, prompting the recusal of the Athens DA’s office and the appointment of a new prosecutor, Randy McGinley, from the Alcovy Judicial Circuit.
Following a reevaluation, the case was re-indicted, leading to Daniel’s conviction after a brief 45-minute jury deliberation. Despite receiving a life sentence plus 50 years, Daniel may be eligible for parole after serving 25 years, given the state’s mandatory minimum sentencing laws.
The mother expressed gratitude towards the sexual assault and children’s advocacy center in Athens, as well as the Alcovy Judicial Circuit for their support throughout the legal process. She emphasized the importance of vigilance in recognizing signs of distress in children and advocating for justice when needed.
While this case resulted in a favorable outcome for the family, it is noted that similar Marsy’s Law cases may not always lead to re-indictments or compensations for victims. Nonetheless, the mother encourages victims to stand up for their rights and pursue the justice they deserve.
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