Child sex case resolved by guilty plea

A 64-year old Oconeean has been ordered to prison for 25 years to satisfy a plea of guilty this morning to the charge of criminal sexual conduct with a minor first degree.  The potential sentence for Michael Edward Burdette of the Dr. John’s Road ranged from 25 years to life.  Under South Carolina sentencing rules, Burdette must serve 85% of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole.  Burdette will receive credit for about one year in jail awaiting trial since his arrest in February of last year.  Burdette spoke in subdued tones in answering questions by Judge Lawton  McIntosh.  His attorney, Gruber Sires, said Burdette is “very sorry for what he did.”  Sires said his client had had no previous record.