Sheridan man sentenced to prison for sexual abuse of minor

SHERIDAN — A Sheridan man was sentenced to 30 to 50 years in prison for two counts of first degree sexual abuse of a minor.

Marshall McLain, 44, appeared in 4th Judicial District Court for his sentencing hearing Tuesday. Per a plea agreement, McLain pleaded guilty to both charges July 15 in exchange for a recommended sentence of 30 to 50 years with both counts running concurrently.

One count of sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree is a felony punishable by imprisonment for up to 50 years, a maximum fine of $10,000 or both.

Fourth Judicial District Judge Darci Phillips accepted the plea agreement proposed by the state and defense.

“You’ve chosen to participate in the most egregious act. The court feels the need to protect this community from you,” Phillips said.

McLain was credited with 223 days of presentence confinement and will pay more than $800 in restitution fees.

According to court documents, on Feb. 24 law enforcement was informed that an 11-year-old female disclosed having sex with McLain for the last five to six years, approximately 100 times during that time span and most recently on Feb. 21 and 22.

McLain told law enforcement that he had sex with the victim five to eight times over the last “couple” of years. 

This story was published on Oct. 15, 2025.