KALAMAZOO, MI – A Kalamazoo Township man who subjected a boy with autism to sexual abuse and torture that included locking him in a dog cage and pulling out eyebrow hairs will spend at least 25 years in prison.

A jury found David John Bassett, 52, guilty of one count each of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and torture, and two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct following a two-day trial last week in front of Kalamazoo County Circuit Judge Alexander C. Lipsey.

The jury deliberated for about an hour before reaching its verdict Thursday, Chief Assistant Prosecutor Carrie Klein said.

The charges against Bassett stemmed from incidents that occurred between 2006 and 2008 and involved a boy with autism who was between the ages of 6 and 9 during those years,already in bed under the covers?" he is saying that he wants to be with you physically and when you tell him you are tired and ready for sleep he feels rejected. When you noted that he was not bringing in as much money as he used to and that now you were making more than he, he felt that he lost some worth in the relationship. When you pointed out that he was going grey and balding, he felt you did not desire him.

Frank does not know how to tell you these things. Indeed, he does not know how to really feel them himself. Instead, when he feels initially hurt or vulnerable, he then feels and uncertain. And when he feels that way, he quickly justifies why