Watch CBS News

Michigan Man Convicted Of Raping Delaware Girl Loses Appeal

William Burrows
William Burrows (credit: Delaware State Police)

By RANDALL CHASE
Associated Press

DOVER, Del. (AP) — A Delaware judge has rejected an appeal from a Michigan man sentenced to 15 years in prison for raping a 15-year-old girl he met online.

William Burrows pleaded guilty last year to sexual solicitation of a child and fourth-degree rape.

On appeal, Burrows argued that he was given an excessive sentence because the judge blamed him for causing mental health issues the victim was experiencing before she met him.

A judge on Thursday said Burrows' claims were procedurally barred. He also said Burrows' sentence was allowed by law and was imposed because he had taken advantage of a vulnerable person and exacerbated issues she was facing.

Authorities say Burrows, who was 39 at the time, traveled in 2015 from Benton Harbor, Michigan, to Delaware, where he raped the girl.

 

© Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.