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Charles Pugh takes plea deal, faces 5.5 to 15 years in prison in sexual assault case

Posted at 6:37 PM, Oct 25, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-26 17:11:49-04

Former Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh has accepted a plea deal in his sexual assault case.  

Pugh pleaded guilty to two criminal sexual conduct charges at a hearing Wednesday morning in Wayne County Circuit Court. He now faces 5.5 to 15 years in prison. The judge said he would also be permanently placed on the sex offender's list. 

"I think it's justice, because the most important thing is people know he's a sexual predator," said Austin Williams, Pugh's victim. 

Williams told the media that he is OK with being publicly identified. 

"The shame that he put on myself, on the countless other young men who have dealt with him, he now has to feel that for the rest of his life," he said.

Pugh was originally charged with five counts of criminal sexual conduct for allegedly having a sexual relationship with then 14-year-old Williams. 

In preliminary exams, Williams, who is now in his 20s, testified that the sexual relationship began shortly after asking for an internship with Pugh.