Jessie James Wisdom of Boyne City was sentenced to a minimum of 36.5 years in prison for first-degree criminal sexual conduct. After serving his 36.5 years, he will be eligible for parole.
The investigation into Wisdom showed he had abused five children over an extensive period, three of whom testified during the case.
Wisdom was serving time in Mississippi when his accuser came forward in Michigan. He was turned over to the Charlevoix County Prosecutor’s Office in 2022.
“The sexual abuse of children is evil and those who perpetrate it need to be removed from society. This defendant committed countless sexual assaults on at least five vulnerable children leaving significant emotional scars,” said Prosecutor Christopher “Kit” Tholen. “The laws in Michigan do not allow for life without parole for child sexual abuse—no matter how extensive the behavior—and this 36 ½ year sentence is a significant departure above the sentencing guidelines that have been established.”