Doug Ely receives 55-year sentence

Doug Ely, standing before Judge Trevor Stephens on Monday, was sentenced to 55-years in jail. During a week-long jury trial held in June, Doug Ely was found guilty of two counts of First Degree Sexual Abuse of a Minor, and one count of Second Degree Sexual Abuse of a Minor which was merged into Count One.

Ely’s complete sentence is 55-years with twelve and a half suspended and fifteen years of probation. He will also be required to register as a sex offender for life after being released on two charges of first degree sexual abuse of a minor under the age of 16. An additional condition of the sentence: Ely is to never have contact with the victim again.

The offense took place between June and August of last year. Three days of testimony were introduced in the week-long trial held in June, including testimonies from the victim, Wrangell Police Department Lieutenant Merlin Ehlers and Sergeant Bruce Smith. It was stated by a member of the jury that “the evidence was overwhelming.”