ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Michael May received a maximum sentence of 11 to 16-and-a-half years in prison Monday for his charge of rape.

May, 70, of 62655 Warnock-Centerville Road, St. Clairsville pleaded guilty in late January.

Belmont County Prosecutor Kevin Flanagan said the charge of rape precludes any early release, and that May must serve at least 11 years.

According to the indictment, the offense took place between 2014 and 2018 and involved a minor.

Neither the address nor the community where the crime allegedly occurred was released, but Flanagan previously said May was charged with the rape of person known to him. There was an eventual disclosure to medical personnel.

“This case was possible for one reason and that was the bravery of our victim. I can’t say enough about that.

Today, when Assistant Prosecutor Joe Vavra read the victim impact statement to the Court prior to the sentence, it showed the victim’s strength and perseverance,” Flanagan said.

Flanagan said his office requested the minimum 11-year sentence, and he believes that Belmont County Common Pleas Judge Chris Berhalter had no issue in imposing the maximum sentence after hearing the victim’s written statement being read in court.

Flanagan also commended the work of Detective Ron Miro of the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office and others for the thoroughness of the investigation and, ultimately, the arrest of May.

“Every allegation of child sex abuse is investigated by these officers to the fullest extent. They leave no stone unturned, and we so appreciate their efforts,” Flanagan said.

May was 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.