Michael Gardner Pleads Guilty, to Serve 20 Years

Michael A. Gardner, 51, entered guilty pleas today to one count of object sexual penetration and four counts of aggravated sexual battery, according to a news release from the City of Falls Church. Here’s more about the case, from the release:

Gardner was sentenced to 40 years, 20 of those suspended and supervised probation for life. Once released, he will be required to register as a Sex Offender and will not be permitted to unsupervised contact with minors, the victims, or their families.

The plea agreement was reached on the second day of a trial for sexually assaulting his niece when she was 12. A retrial was set to begin in November for Gardner’s sexual assault of two 10 year old girls at his daughter’s slumber party; that trial is negated with the guilty pleas.

Alejandra Rueda and Nicole Wittmann of the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office received the agreement today during the trial. “We are pleased that the victims have closure and finality,” said Wittmann. “I’m confident that other children will be protected based on this result.”

“I am very proud of all of stakeholders in the Criminal Justice System particularly the victims in this case” said City of Falls Church Police Chief Mary Gavin.

“The four little girls displayed tremendous courage and strength. The Falls Church Police Department is grateful to all mutual aid law enforcement partners from Federal, State and Local organizations. Det. Sonya Richardson, the lead investigator, as well as peer detectives and supervisors throughout the past four years worked diligently and often to exhaustion to ensure a comprehensive and thorough investigation. The Loudoun County Commonwealth Attorney’s Nicole Wittmann and Alejandra Rueda worked tirelessly to ensure justice was served for the four victims, their families and the entire community.”

Also read: Gardner Allegedly Asked About Hit Man for Girls