By GINNY COOPER MCCARLEY / Staff Writer

CALERA—A 38 year old Calera man will spend the next 18 years in prison after being found guilty of the sexual abuse of a child less than 12 years of age.

Michael Forrest Talley was sentenced to serve 18 years in the Alabama penitentiary on May 19, according to documents in the case. As a criminal sexual offender, Talley must comply with the Alabama Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification Act, pay all court costs, successfully complete a Sex Offender Intervention Program and avoid initiating any contact with the victim, the victim’s family or property, according to court documents.

Talley was arrested on Aug. 18, 2012, and charged with the sexual abuse of a child less than 12 years of age.

After posting $30,000 bond, Talley was released from jail on Aug. 18, 2012.

Talley pled not guilty to the crime on Sept. 27, 2012, and was set to appear before Judge Dan Reeves, according to court documents.

On March 13, 2014, Talley was found guilty of by a jury and convicted of the sexual abuse of a child less than 12 years of age.