BAD AXE – A 71-year-old Filion man arrested in a sex sting last summer was sentenced to 40 months prison.
Dale J. Ignash was sentenced in Huron County Circuit Court Sept. 5. Ignash had previously pleaded guilty July 25 to one count of child sexually abusive activity (a 20-year felony); one count of using a computer to commit a crime (a 20-year felony); and one count of accosting a child for immoral purposes (a 4-year felony).
On Aug. 17, 2022, Ignash, along with 66-year old Port Huron man Dennis M. Bales, was arrested during a human trafficking sting operation by tri-county law enforcement members from the Huron County Sheriff’s Office, Sanilac County Sheriff’s Office, Sanilac County Drug Task Force, Tuscola County Sheriff’s Office, and Bad Axe Police Department. Members of the Genesee Human Oppression Strike Team (GHOST), a division of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, also provided assistance.
The operation was executed at an undisclosed location in Caseville Township.
Ignash was texting and/or online chatting with whom he believed was a 15-year-old minor, trying to initiate having sex with that person. In actuality, he was texting with an undercover officer. When Ignash arrived at the location where he believed the minor was located, law enforcement officers promptly arrested him.
During Monday’s sentencing, Ignash’s attorney Nicholas R. Robinson told Judge Gerald M. Prill his client is deeply remorseful for what he did and was taking full responsibility for his actions.
An emotional Ignash then addressed the court.
“I’d like to express my deepest remorse for my actions and the pain and suffering that I’ve caused my family and friends,” said Ignash. “I understand my behavior was unacceptable and it had a significant impact on your lives. I take full responsibility for my actions and I am committed to making amends. I understand my actions have serious consequences and I am committed to doing everything in my power to address the harm that I’ve caused. I am grateful for this opportunity to express my remorse and to take a step toward making this right.”
Huron County Prosecutor Timothy J. Rutkowski expressed his hope that the court would remain consistent with sentencing that was handed down to three previous defendants that were also arrested during sex stings last year.
Prill said while he believes Ignash has been respectful and owned up to his wrongdoings, but added the court must maintain a level of consistency no matter what.
“He admitted to all his actions here, and that certainly goes a long way regarding making amends and trying to move forward – I think he is trying to do that,” Prill said.
Added Prill: “Understanding Mr. Ignash’s history, understanding the background regarding this case, the court is going to maintain consistency. I don’t want to treat anyone any differently than anyone else.”
The judge then sentenced Ignash to 40 months prison on counts one and two, and 270 days jail on the third count. All sentences will be served concurrently and he must register with the Michigan Sex Offender Registry.
In November of last year, Bales was sentenced to seven years, 11 months to 20 years on counts of child sexually abusive material; and using a computer to commit a crime; and 23 months to four years for accosting a child for immoral purposes.
In a separate sex sting operation in July of last year in Bad Axe, task force officials arrested Port Austin man Daniel R. Horetski, 45 at the time, Sebewaing man Kevin A. Manor (56), and Ubly man Jeremy J. Susalla (40).
Horetski and Manor both pleaded no contest to child sexually explicit activity, using a computer to commit a crime, and accosting a minor for immoral purposes. Both were sentenced to 40 months to 20 years in prison on the counts of child sexually abusive activity and using a computer to commit a crime, and 270 days jail on the third count.
Susalla, who faces the same three counts, has yet to stand trial.