Kalamazoo man who sexually exploited 14-year-old girl gets 35 years in prison
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — A 33-year-old Kalamazoo man will spend the 35 years in federal prison for the sexual exploitation and coercion and enticement of a minor.
Samuel Alexander Kuhl was sentenced Wednesday, Nov. 19, by U.S. District Judge Jane M. Beckering, for engaging in an illegal sexual relationship with a child for a period of 18 months, beginning when the girl was just 14.
During the sentencing, Beckering noted that Kuhl’s conduct reflects a “pattern of angry, defiant, vindictive behavior” and an overall “disregard for the rule of law.”
Kuhl first contacted the victim via , U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey said. Over the 18 months, he abused the victim physically, emotionally and psychologically, the federal prosecutor said.
“During his time with the girl, Kuhl repeatedly tried to engage the victim in group sexual activity,” VerHey said. “When she refused, he threatened her and her family with a gun. Kuhl also convinced the victim to provide him with child pornography
In June, a jury convicted him of sexual exploitation of a minor, as well as coercion and enticement and attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.
“Sam Kuhl devoted his adult life to crime, and part of his criminal lifestyle included tracking down adolescent girls to sexually exploit,” VerHey said. “My office will never tolerate child exploitation and when it happens, we will bring the people involved to justice. Kuhl earned the sentence he received yesterday.”
The case was brought forward as part of Project Safe Childhood — a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
It was investigated by the FBI, Wyoming Police Department, Indiana State Police, Michigan State Police and Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety.
“Heinous and predatory acts against any child deserve severe punishment and serious consequences,” said Jennifer Runyan, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Detroit field office.
Runyan thanked the “tireless work” of all involved in the investigation and prosecution of the case.
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