Sterling Heights man sentenced to 25-75 years for sexual assault

STERLING HEIGHTS — A Sterling Heights man is facing up to 75 years in prison after being found guilty by a jury of sexually assaulting a minor.

According to a press release from the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, Larry Devere Middleton, 33, of Sterling Heights, sexually assaulted a young girl on multiple occasions in 2023.

In January 2025, following a four-day jury trial, Middleton was found guilty of two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a person under 13 years old, a felony carrying a possible life sentence; second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a person under 13 years old, a 15-year felony; criminal sexual conduct - assault with intent to commit sexual penetration, a 10-year felony; and indecent exposure, a one-year misdemeanor.

Middleton was sentenced to 25-75 years for the two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and between three and 71 months on the lesser charges, to be served concurrently, according to the press release. He will also be required to register for life under the Sex Offender Registration Act, “and if ever released from prison he will be electronically monitored for life,” the press release states.

“This sentence reflects the severity of these crimes and ensures that this man will no longer be able to harm innocent children,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said in a statement.

Middleton’s attorney, Joshua Van Laan, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.