VIRGINIA BEACH — A 68-year-old local man was sentenced Monday for raping a minor, the victim being younger than 13 years old.
Circuit Court Judge William R. O’Brien gave Norman Lee Mitchell life in prison with all suspended except 20 years, according to the Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.
Mitchell pleaded guilty on May 29.
Prosecutors said Mitchell sexually abused a minor known to him for approximately 6 years.
The abuse was continuous over thiat period of time. Mitchell told the victim, “It’s our little secret,” and not to tell anyone, prosecutors said.
The victim disclosed the abuse at age 17 and police began an investigation. Mitchell was interviewed a number of times and eventually admitted that he didn’t remember sexually abusing the victim but the victim was telling the truth.
He further admitted to some of the sexual abuse. In a recorded phone call with a family member of the victim, Mitchell apologized for what he did to the victim, prosecutors said.
Mitchell has prior convictions for three counts of assault and battery of a family Member, four counts of bad checks, assault, and driving with a revoked license.
