HARRISON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A Harrison Township man was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for sexually abusing a child.
On Oct. 26, 2023, Rex Phelps, 72, pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact of a child. He was sentenced to 24 months in prison, which is the maximum sentence allowed.
Federal officials said Phelps, a pilot, was giving the 15-year-old girl flying lessons when he groomed and “inappropriately” touched her on several occasions. Officials said the abuse was discovered when he mistakenly sent a text message that revealed the abuse to an unintended person and that person contacted police.
“Teachers and instructors are supposed to protect our youth while they progress in their learning environments, and it is utterly shameful that this individual took advantage of this young girl,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “The FBI and its partners remain committed to holding these criminals accountable for exploiting the innocent.”