Rapist pleads guilty | News

Bruce Edward Green, 54, formerly of Forest Bluff Drive, pleaded guilty Tuesday morning to first- and second-degree statutory rape. The now-adult victim’s husband clutched her shoulders in Onslow County Superior Court Tuesday morning as her rapist entered his plea.

Supreme Court Justice Jack Jenkins sentenced Green – a father of several children – to 20 to 25 years in prison. Green’s sentence includes about a year he spent in prison.

Andrew Honings, a spokesman for the victim and his family, read a three-page typed statement during the hearing. In his statement he quoted several verses from the Bible.

Green, wearing a dark two-piece suit and glasses, sat quietly and drank from a disposable cup at the defense table as he listened to the emotional hearing.

The defendant then attempted to address the court before he began sobbing.

His attorney, Matthew Silva, then read Green’s statement, which included Bible verses.

“During my year in prison, I developed a new connection with the Lord,” Silva read. “I am sorry to everyone who is here today. I don’t ask for forgiveness.”

Assistant District Attorney Nathan Sweet, who prosecuted the case, said Green would be at least 74 if he lived long enough to be released from prison, adding that the defendant was known to have heart problems.

“He’s basically arguing for a life sentence,” Sweet said.

Green was initially arrested by the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service on 14 counts of second-degree rape; 15 counts of second-degree sexual battery; four counts of indecent liberties with a child; three counts of child abuse; and eight counts of statutory rape involving a suspect at least six years older than a victim under 15, according to previous Daily News reports. The abuse allegedly took place in 2004-2005 and January to April 2006.

Sweet said that although Green initially faced many charges, the state considers many factors when seeking a reduction in charges in a plea.

If the case had gone to trial, a jury could have returned an acquittal, for example.

Even a conviction on a number of charges could have resulted in a shorter overall prison sentence, the length of which is largely determined by a judge. A judge can combine prison sentences or impose them consecutively. Consecutive sentences must each be served in full as sentenced.

In that case, Jenkins imposed consecutive sentences: four to five and a half years for second-degree rape and 16 to 20 years for first-degree statutory rape. Sweet said this case could have resulted in a total of 16 years in prison.

Additionally, Green must register as a sex offender for his entire life.

“And you have to take into account what the victim wants,” Sweet said of approaching prosecution and deciding when to drop charges in plea deals.

In this case, the victim and family were happy with the outcome, he said.

When the hearing ended, Green asked the court to allow him to hug his mother and father before leaving.

“I expected that,” Jenkins said before declining a final hug.

Sobs from both families could be heard in the gallery.