He had been on trial this week for molesting a teenage girl.
Frederick, Md (KM). A Thurmont man who has been on trial this week for sexually assaulting a teenage girl in 2014 has been convicted. On Thursday, a Frederick County Circuit Court jury found Michael Bullis, 36, guilty of 4th degree sex offense, and 2nd-degree assault, both of which are misdemeanors. But jurors acquitted him 2nd-degree sex offense, a felony.
“We were obviously disappointed we didn’t get that felony count,” says State’s Attorney Charlie Smith. “We felt that the facts were clearly ones that you could convict him on with regard to that 2nd-degree sex offense. The jury felt differently. We respect that verdict.”
But Smith says he’s satisfied the jury did convict Bullis of two charges. . “They did convict him of a 4th degree sex offense, and 2nd-degree assault. So they obviously believe he took advantage of this young girl, and that they’re going to be holding him responsible for that,” he says.
Sentencing is scheduled of Friday, February 8th at 9:00 AM.
Smith says the State will be asking for some incarceration for Bullis. He was asked how many years will prosecutors seek for the defendant. “We haven’t formulated that yet. We’re going to take a look at his prior criminal history, consult with the family,” he says. “But obviously we feel that with his conduct that he’s been found guilty of and responsible for warrants incarceration.”
By Kevin McManus