Region briefs 9/13/06

Online sex sting results in two-year sentence

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- A Jackson man pleaded guilty to and was sentenced for attempted statutory rape for soliciting a minor for sex over the Internet. Irvin E. Holderbaugh, 40, of 924 E. Independence St., was arrested March 11 in Jackson's City Park. He is accused of arranging over the Internet a meeting with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. The girl was actually a Bollinger County police officer posing as a teenager to capture online sexual predators. Circuit Judge David Dolan, who heard the case in Mississippi County on a change of venue, sentenced Holderbaugh Tuesday to 2 years in prison. He could have received up to 5 years.

Cape man pleads guilty in Feb. 14 shooting case

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- A 15-year sentence was handed down Tuesday for a man who admitted to shooting a Cape Girardeau teen. Circuit Judge David Dolan sentenced George A. Henry, 19, of 805 Ranney St., for first-degree assault for the Feb. 14 shooting at 503 Benton St. In exchange for Henry's guilty plea, prosecutors dropped an armed criminal action and robbery charge, prosecuting attorney Morley Swingle said. Henry is accused of shooting Steven May, 23, in the back, rifling through his pockets and stealing his money. May survived the shooting. Henry must serve 85 percent of his 15 year sentence. Had he not pleaded out, Henry could have received up to life in prison if convicted. The case was heard in Mississippi County on a change of venue.