Just over two weeks ago, a Montcalm County man was charged with six felonies in connection with the alleged sexual assault of two females who were 13 and 16 at the time of the assaults, according to news articles at Mlive.com. 33-year-old Jeremy Geselman of Crystal is charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, one count of second-degree CSC, two counts of third-degree CSC, and one count of fourth-degree CSC. If convicted on the first-degree charges, Geselman could spend the rest of his life behind bars as the maximum punishment is life in prison.
According to Montcalm County Sheriff William Barnwell, Geselman was apprehended after the two alleged victims came forward and shared their stories with police. Geselman was arrested while already in jail on other unrelated charges.
Barnwell said that the sexual assaults occurred in 2013, and that one of the alleged victims is a Crystal resident. Because Geselman was already in police custody and the two young women had provided testimony, he felt that the case would be “pretty straightforward.” Barnwell also commended the county prosecutor for speedy turnaround time.
At the time of news reports Geselman remained behind bars on a $100,000 bond. His pre-trial conference was scheduled for July 7. Whether the victims knew Geselman previously and how he came into contact with the young women has not yet been revealed.
Michigan sex crime lawyers know that there are many cases in which innocent individuals are accused of rape, child molesting, and other crimes they did not commit. While people do commit these crimes, those who are falsely accused can have their lives ruined. Depending on the charges and whether the accused is found guilty, penalties can range from a few months in jail to a lifetime behind bars. Even worse for some who spend a few years behind bars is the fact that their reputations are scarred for life, and they may also be required to register as a sex offender for many years or even the rest of their lives.
In many ways, being accused of sexual assault can be as devastating as being accused of murder. In any case, regardless of whether an individual is guilty or innocent, it is paramount that you work with a highly skilled and aggressive Michigan sex crimes attorney who will fight vigorously for a good outcome on your behalf.