Kevin T. Odette - Pedophile molested dozens of children

A Mt. Morris man accused of molesting dozens of children over the past 20 years will plead guilty to a number of charges and will face a minimum of 25 years in prison when sentenced.

Kevin T. Odette, 34, pleaded guilty Tuesday to six counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim under 13 years old, four counts of manufacturing child sexually abusive materials, two counts of using a computer to commit a crime and one charge of second-degree criminal sexual conduct.

He had faced at least 15 charges in three different Central District courts, Several other charges were dismissed by prosecutors in exchange for his plea.

"We did not want these juvenile victims to be forced to testify," said Assistant Genesee County Prosecutor Gladys Christopherson.

Attorney Mark W. Latchana, who represented Odette, agreed, saying his client took the deal "to save those victims from reliving their experiences."

He added that prosecutors had "overwhelming evidence" against Odette.

Central District Judge John L. Conover scheduled a March 17 circuit court arraignment.

Christopherson said part of the deal is that prosecutors will not seek new charges against Odette and will take no position about whether Odette should serve his sentences consecutively or concurrently.

The cases involved boys and girls ages seven to 13. Officials said Odette knew all the victims.

The cases began when a relative reported finding child pornography when Odette was moving from Vienna Township to Burton last year.

Investigators later found 75 pornographic videotapes and more than 200 DVDs, and they believe he could have molested as many as 75 children from the Gaylord, Lansing and Flint areas. Police believe the sexual assaults occurred in Flint and Vienna townships during the summer of 2006.

Officials said several of the videos showed Odette having sexual relations with some victims.