Fort Bragg Soldier Sentenced To Life In Prison, Eligible For Parole In 20 Years

A military judge sentenced Sgt. Michael Reed to life in prison with eligibility for parole in 20 years.

Reed was also demoted to E-1, the Army's lowest rank, and received a dishonorable discharge.

Earlier in the day, the judge listened to victim impact statements to help decide what Reed's sentence should be.

Wednesday, Reed waived his rights to a military trial. He pleaded guilty to charges of attempted sodomy and attempted rape of the 75-year-old woman who lived on Fort Bragg. He also pleaded guilty to kidnapping and indecent acts with an 8-year-old girl.

In court Thursday, the father of the 8-year-old girl told the judge that when the incident happened, he felt like he failed as a parent.

The 75-year-old woman that Reed admitted he tried to rape said she has suffered many long-term effects and continues to feel ashamed.

Through an interpreter, the woman said "I feel very bad. I feel depressed. I'm in the care of a psychologist."

Soldiers who testified on Reed's behalf described him as an outstanding soldier.

The judge also heard from from Reed's parents.Reed's mother told the judge that her son was abused by his wife, Melissa. She said that Reed's mind could only take so much and he knows what he did was wrong.

She also pleaded with the judge to spare her son's life.

Reed also took the stand. He offered apologies to the victims and their families and talked about his abusive relationship with his wife.