Springfield Township resident Thomas Dittrich, 36, received a sentence of 95 months to 15 years for his sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl.
Oakland County Circuit Judge Deborah Tyner handed down the sentence on Friday, April 9, following a Feb. 26 guilty verdict on six counts of third degree criminal sexual assault and one charge of fourth degree criminal sexual assault, all stemming from encounters in his home between October and December 2002.
Dittrich, a Waterford Township auto dealer, received a sentence higher than that recommended by sentencing guidelines, but Oakland County Assistant Prosector Cheryl Matthews said it was appropriate.
‘The victim’s mother asked for the maximum,? Matthews said. ‘I think the judge was particularly offended by his behavior and his lack of remorse. I think the sentence fits the crime.?
Matthews said the crime was particularly heinous because of the ‘lies and manipulation? of the victim, who was a friend of Dittrich’s daughter.
‘He not only betrayed her physically. He betrayed her emotionally,? Matthews said.
The victim and her family have been receiving counseling, Matthews said.
‘She’s doing much better now that the sentencing is behind her,? she said.