Steven Michael Cook was convicted by a Calhoun County Jury of 1st Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct and 2nd Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct after a 4-day trial. The jury deliberated approximately 5 hours before returning their verdict in this 2018 case in which Cook, now 43 years old, was accused of the sexual penetration and sexual touching of a child under 13. 1st Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct has a maximum penalty of up to life in prison. Second Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct has a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. Both offenses require him being placed on the Sex Offender Registry.
Sentencing is scheduled on November 10, 2022, before Judge Sarah S. Lincoln. As the victim was under 13 and Mr. Cook was over 17 years of age at the time of the offense, the 1st Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct charge requires a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 25 years in prison.
