72-Year-Old Pilot Instructor Rex Phelps Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison for Sexually Abusing 15-Year-Old Girl; Faces Additional Charges

72-Year-Old Pilot Instructor Pleads Guilty to Sexually Abusing 15-Year-Old Girl at Airport

Former Teacher and Pilot Arrested for Sexually Assaulting 15-Year-Old Student at Ray Community Airport; Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison

According to True Crime News, a 72-year-old former pilot instructor and teacher has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl at an airport. Rex Phelps was arrested in March and initially faced charges for engaging in sexual acts with the teenager while flying her in an airplane. He was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for the crime but now he faces new charges for similar offenses. According to prosecutors Rex Phelps initiated a sexual relationship with the teenager while teaching her about airplanes at the Ray Community Airport. The girl who was just 15 years old at the time told investigators that Rex Phelps would inappropriately touch her leg during flying lessons and even kissed her on a flight to Frankenmuth in January. Rex Phelps’ crimes were discovered after he sent a text message to an unintended recipient who then reported it to authorities. Investigators found that Rex Phelps and the teenager exchanged inappropriate messages including a photo of a couple kissing on a bed and that Rex Phelps responded with a message saying “Maybe more.”

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72-Year-Old Pilot Instructor Rex Phelps Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison for Sexually Abusing 15-Year-Old Girl; Faces Additional Charges (PHOTO: ClickOnDetroit)

72-Year-Old Pilot Instructor Charged with Abusing Minor; Victim’s Courage Highlights Need for Stronger Protections

The victim reported to authorities that Rex Phelps told her they were in love and gave her the order to ignore their messages and follow the narrative. Rex Phelps is accused by the prosecution of two charges of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct and of accosting a juvenile. For the new counts Rex Phelps may spend up to eight years in jail. The date of his sentence is set for July 24. Rex Phelps was a former flight club president and Dakota High School teacher. Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido stated “A 15-year-old girl is legally incapable of giving consent to a sexual relationship with an adult. This is a grave violation of her rights and a serious breach of trust.” His misdeeds have stunned the neighborhood and sparked questions about how he was able to continue abusing others covertly. This instance emphasizes how crucial it is to report questionable activity and how strict legislation is required to shield minors from sexual predators. We hope that this disturbing case may serve as a reminder to others about the dangers of grooming and sexual exploitation thanks to the victim’s courageous decision to come forward.

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