"This is more than a mistake:" Marcell Daniels sentenced to 12 years in prison in sex assault case
MILWAUKEE -- A Milwaukee County judge sentenced 46-year-old Marcell Daniels to 12 years in prison and another six years of extended supervision. Daniels will also have to register as a sex offender.
It was an emotional day in court as family of Daniels spoke of his character.
"He's not this monster. He's a good person. He truly is," said Shirley Daniels, Marcell's sister.
Daniels, a retired Milwaukee police officer, was convicted of sexual assault. He was accused of having sexual intercourse and taking sexually explicit pictures with someone 16 years old or younger. In a plea deal, Daniels pleaded no contest to a felony charge of child enticement. Prosecutors dismissed two other charges.
Judge Jeffrey Conen
Prosecutors say the allegations date back to 2005. The victim told police she met Daniels when she was 14 or 15, after she and her friend were arrested. A week later, the victim told police Daniels called her and brought her to the home he lived in on N. 55th Place, and he would take pictures of her with and without clothing.
"I have no idea why in the world you were with 14 to 15-year-old girls," said Judge Jeffrey Conen in court Friday.
With the help of Daniels’ now estranged wife, investigators found proof on Daniels' computer — photos spanning several years. Family of the estranged wife held a protest outside of the Milwaukee County Courthouse on Friday afternoon. They feel Daniels has had special treatment through the trial.
Marcell Daniels
"The police are well-versed in the law. they take an oath to swear and uphold the law. They should be held more accountable because they are the people we trust," said Ryan Dewerth, ex-brother-in-law.
Marcell Daniels
Before his sentencing, Daniels apologized to those he hurt.
"I apologize to the victims, the victims' families, for any emotional or mental damage or distress that I caused them," Daniels said. "I lost my wife, my children, the respect of my peers in the community."
"People make mistakes, but this is more than a mistake," Judge Conen said.
Again, Daniel was sentenced to 12 years in prison with credit for time already served. He was also sentenced to six years of extended supervision.