LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Michigan Court of Appeals has affirmed the conviction and sentence of 36-year-old Justin Harvala, formerly of Kingsford. This was announced by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
In 2023, Harvala was convicted of Second-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct for sexually assaulting a 7-year-old girl. He was sentenced to 142 months to 35 years of incarceration.
“I am relieved that the Court upheld Mr. Harvala’s sentence, but if the House budget passes as currently written, my office will not have the resources and attorneys needed to prosecute these horrific crimes or defend convictions on appeal,” Nessel said. “That means predators would not face accountability, survivors would be denied justice, and the safety of Michigan families would be put at serious risk. We cannot allow politics to stand in the way of holding criminals accountable and protecting our communities.”
In its opinion, the Court of Appeals rejected Harvala’s arguments that there was insufficient evidence supporting his conviction and that his sentence was unreasonable and disproportionate.
