Former foster parent sent to prison for CSC

Dennis Jarvis

CADILLAC - A former Manton foster parent faces up to 15 years in prison for a sexual relationship with a girl placed in his care.

Dennis Truair Jarvis, 34, was sentenced in Wexford County Circuit Court to 95 months to 180 months in prison for criminal sexual conduct, third degree, stemming from his relationship with a victim who was 12 and 13 years old at the time of the incidents.

Jarvis entered into a plea agreement in the case last month that resulted in the Wexford County prosecutor dropping 10 counts of criminal sexual conduct, first degree.

Prior to sentencing, defense attorney Gerald Chefalo argued that the presentence report reflected alleged predatory conduct by Jarvis and that was not the case.

”We argue against predatory conduct in this situation,“ he said. ”There was no indication of threats.“

Assistant Prosecutor Julie Valice argued that Jarvis' role as a foster parent and abuse of that role revealed predatory acts.

”I think there is ample evidence here that this child was groomed by this defendant,“ she said. ”I'm convinced this was all for the purpose of his own self gratification.“

Corwin ruled that the presentence report was scored correctly.

Chefalo told the judge that he has represented Jarvis in all of his court appearances related to his conduct with the victim in three counties.

”I don't believe Dennis Jarvis is a bad man,“ Chefalo said. ”This is an individual who is capable for remorse and of learning of their mistakes that he has made.“

Valice called the case ”egregious.“ She said a letter written by Jarvis stating that he was not the first person to have a relationship with the victim essentially ”blames her.“

Jarvis stood before Corwin in his Michigan Department of Corrections blue- and orange-striped uniform. He was sentenced to eight to 15 years in prison in August from Grand Traverse County for criminal sexual conduct, third degree and three to five years in prison for attempted kidnap/child enticement.

Jarvis apologized prior to Corwin imposing his sentence.

”I want to apologize to (the victim) for all the decisions that I made. I do accept all responsibility,“ he said. ”I want to apologize to my family, to my friends, the church and to my community.“

Corwin gave him 145 days credit for time served and ordered him to pay $120 in costs.

dkillingbeck@cadillacnews.com | 775-NEWS (6397)