St. CLAIRSVILLE — Michael Dennis May appeared via video Monday before Belmont County Common Pleas Judge Chris Berhalter and pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree felony rape.

May, 70, of 62655 Warnock-Centerville Road, St. Clairsville, faces a maximum sentence of 16.5 years in prison and will be designated a Tier 3 sex offender, required to register at the sheriff’s office in his county of residence every 90 days for life when released.

Berhalter set May’s sentencing date for Feb. 12.

Belmont County Prosecutor Kevin Flanagan provided some background on the circumstances of the case.

“He was charged with rape of a person known to him,” Flanagan said. “Eventually there was a disclosure. It was a disclosure to medical personnel.”

Neither the address nor the community where the crime allegedly occurred was not released.

According to the indictment, the offense took place between 2014 and 2018 and involved a minor. The indictment also alleges an assault in 2023, which was not pursued after May entered his guilty plea.

Flanagan said the victim would provide a victim impact statement. He commended law enforcement for their work on the case.

“Detective Ron Miro and those guys at the sheriff’s department always do a fantastic job,” Flanaga said. “We’d never achieve convictions without their efforts.”