News

Man convicted of statutory rape sentenced to 175 years in prison

Michael Brian Johnson

By Lightning Reports, Published: February 14, 2024

A 53-year-old Hendersonville man was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison after a Henderson County Superior Court jury found him guilty last week of five counts of statutory rape of a child, Police Chief Blair Myhand announced in a news release. Convicted on the felony charges was Michael Brian Johnson.

“Our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable in our community remains strong,” Myhand said.  “I commend the work of our detectives and partner organizations to hold the perpetrator in this case accountable for his actions.” 

Hendersonville police detectives began the investigation into the sexual assault of a minor in January 2021 and over the course of the investigation worked closely with Safelight Child Advocacy Center, the Henderson County Department of Social Services and the Henderson County District Attorney’s Office. 

After the jury handed down the conviction, Special Superior Court Judge William Stetzer of Gastonia sentenced Johnson to 125 to 175 years in prison.