A South Beach man with a history of sexual abuse convictions was sentenced to life in prison on Tuesday for repeatedly sexually abusing a 16-year-old family member, authorities reported on Thursday.
Herman Walter Graham, 61, sexually abused two children in his immediate family between 1997 and 2001, leading to nine felony charges for first-degree sexual abuse.
Graham was convicted of four counts of third-degree sexual abuse and one act of second-degree sexual abuse on Tuesday.
If a defendant has two past sex crime convictions that predate the present incident, Oregon law provides for a presumption of life sentence with no option of parole or release.
A court may impose a reduced sentence if they find persuasive or substantial reasoning.
Graham requested a lower sentence on Tuesday, claiming that a life sentence was “unduly harsh,” according to authorities.
The judge sentenced Graham in accordance with Oregon’s third-strike felony sex crime law, telling the victim, “Your voice was heard and clearly believed through the jury’s verdicts. ” Your voice prevented other victims and violence from occurring.”
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