WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. - Tyler Lecates, a 22-year-old from Millsboro, Delaware, was sentenced on Dec. 21 to 20 years in prison for sexual abuse of a child and second-degree rape, officials said.
Lecates pleaded guilty to the charges on Jul. 28 and underwent a mandatory pre-sentence investigation and mental health assessment, according to the Wicomico County Circuit Court. The sentence was handed down by Administrative Judge S. James Sarbanes.
The case stems from an incident in 2019 when Lecates sexually abused a child under the age of 8 within his household. Following his prison term, Lecates will be under five years of supervised probation with specialized sexual offender supervision. Additionally, he faces lifetime sexual offender supervision and must register as a Tier III sexual offender.
Wicomico County State's Attorney Jamie L. Dykes highlighted the case's significance, noting the challenges in reporting sexual abuse within households. "We will do what is required to protect those who cannot protect themselves," Dykes said. She stressed that the sentence will ensure the safety and healing of the survivor.
Dykes commended Salisbury Police Department Detective G. Wells, Child Protective Services, and the Wicomico County Child Advocacy Center for their roles in the investigation. Senior Assistant State's Attorney Michael Calabrese was also acknowledged for his efforts in prosecuting the case.