Charles Pugh sentenced to 5-15 years, apologizes to victim

DETROIT (WJBK) - Former Detroit City Council President and FOX 2 anchor Charles Pugh was sentenced to serve at least five and a half years in prison for having sex with a minor. During his court appearance, he admitted to letting people down.

Pugh was in court on Wednesday when the sentence was handed down. He received five and a half to 15 years in prison after apologizing to the victim and the victim's family.

"I want to apologize to (him) and his family. For violating their trust," Pugh said.

Pugh, the disgraced FOX 2 anchor and city council president, was convicted of sexual assault after pleading guilty in October.

He apologized for taking advantage of and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy 14 years ago.

"I meant him no harm. And I think he knows that," Pugh said.

After Pugh spoke, Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor Danielle Bennetts
read a letter written by the victim's mother.

"Mr. Pugh was the monster I warned my children against. "Instead of Mr. Pugh doing the descent thing he took an opportunity. To satisfy his dark fleshy desires."

The judge had the final word, condemning Pugh for using his position of power to abuse a child and says he of all people should have known better.

"When there was someone committing crimes like this. Your station was reporting on it. What the public didn't know is you were committing these crimes at the same time." Judge Thomas Cmeron said.

Pugh will serve between 5 1/2 to 15 years in prison and will also have to undergo counseling and be on the sex offender registry for life.