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Convicted Marion County rapist gets life sentence

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A convicted rapist facing more charges will spend the rest of his life in prison.

In August, a jury convicted Michael Frye of raping a Marion County woman.

WFTV's Jorge Estevez was in court on Thursday for Frye's sentencing.

It was almost a year ago when Frye was arrested, accused of rape.

A life sentence will be Frye's punishment for one count of rape and three counts of sexual battery. Frye spoke after the sentencing.

"I should have been smarter than to put myself in the position I be putting myself in," he said.

Prosecutors said Frye abducted a 43-year-old mother of four and grandmother of five from an Ocala street, drove her to a secluded area in his van and then forced her to perform oral sex.

Authorities said Frye is connected to at least three rapes during the summer and fall of 2011. The victim in this case said she was beaten and in fear for her life.

"He kept on saying that I, for me, to shut up because he was going to kill me," the victim said.

During the trial Frye was close to telling the jury his side of the story, but decided not to speak until Thursday.

"And I take responsibility for my part in it and that is pretty much all I have to say," Frye said.

Frye's defense labeled the victim a crack user and insisted the police themselves suspected she was a prostitute.

The victim was able to identify Frye partly by his tattoos and DNA evidence. Frye's blood was found on the victim's hand.

After sentencing Thursday, Frye's father vowed to keep fighting.

"And going by the state attorney testifies instead of testifies that is what happens that is all," said Robert Frye.

Frye heads back to court next week to face a second rape charge.