Sex Crimes

March 4, 2013

Underage Girl Allegedly Recruited by Auburn Hills Pimp to Work as Prostitute in Pontiac

An Auburn Hills man, Jackie Robinson Harris, has been charged with several counts after allegedly recruiting an underage girl to work as a prostitute in Pontiac, according to reports at The Oakland Press. The girl, who is 16 years old, was reportedly enticed by Harris to help run a prostitution ring before he allegedly solicited her to work as a prostitute later.

Officials say this is the second incident within a one-week time period in which they have arrested an individual in Oakland County for human trafficking. Harris was arrested in Warren on Wednesday February 27. He was scheduled for arraignment on Thursday in the 50th District Court.

The investigation into the prostitution ring was conducted by Michigan’s Human Trafficking Unit. According to state Attorney General Bill Schuette, Michigan children are being lured by human traffickers into dangerous situations where they will be exploited sexually.

Harris has been charged with a single count of racketeering, one count of soliciting a minor for child sexually abusive activity, and two counts of prostitution. News reports indicate that all of the charges Harris faces are each punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Michigan prostitution and solicitation attorneys understand that facing criminal charges is stressful, and the criminal penalties for those convicted extremely harsh. These matters must be thoroughly investigated. No one wants to think about spending 20 years (or more) of their life behind bars. A sex crime conviction will leave you facing a ruined reputation and career; the stigma will follow you throughout your life.

February 27, 2013

Allegan County Building Supervisor Accused of Disturbing Sex Crime

by Scott Grabel

Paul Shamblin, a building inspector for Valley and Lee Townships in Allegan County, was recently arrested and accused of what news reports refer to as a “disturbing” sex crime. According to Newschannel 3, Shamblin will be charged with one count of aggravated indecent exposure and two counts each of third- and fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Scott Owen, Lee Township Supervisor, called the news a “shock” and said, “I think my eyebrows hit my hairline.” Owen stated he did not know what the charges would mean for the community, but that everyone is innocent until proven guilty.

The charges stem from a list of sex acts allegedly committed against an 18-year-old girl who moved into Shamblin’s home in September of 2012 while his wife was in the hospital. News reports claim that the alleged victim is cognitively impaired, and possesses the mental capacities of a first-grader. Court documents claim the sexual abuse continued for approximately four months.

Shamblin was released on a $100,000 bond and arraigned on the charges on Tuesday, February 26.

According to the victim’s father, Shamblin and the girl had met when he (the teen’s father) was having repairs made to his motorcycle at Shamblin’s shop last summer. He said that he was unaware that the relationship between his daughter and Shamblin had developed into something more.

Michigan sex crime attorneys understand that under Michigan’s Penal Code 750.520d, an individual may be found guilty of third-degree CSC if sexual penetration occurs with an individual who is mentally incapacitated or incapable, and the perpetrator is aware of the fact. A conviction could result in up to 15 years in prison, depending on a number of factors including the defendant’s criminal history.

February 19, 2013

Convicted Sex Offender Suspected in Rape of 13-year-old Pontiac Girl

by Scott Grabel

A Pontiac girl who claimed she had sex with a 23-year-old man is believed to have been raped by a convicted sex offender. The girl, who is 13 years old, told her mother that she had sex with the man several times, the most recent incident occurring about one month ago. When the girl’s mother discovered the situation, she reported it to Oakland County sheriff’s deputies.

After receiving the call from the girl’s mother, deputies went to the suspect’s home. Deputies learned that the suspect is a convicted sex offender and that there were outstanding warrants against him for failing to register as a sex offender and felony probation violation. News reports at MLive state that reporters attempted to contact the Sheriff’s Department to inquire why the suspect had not already been taken into custody for the outstanding warrants, but failed to get a response at that time.

The suspect’s name was not revealed in reports, however he was arrested for suspected first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Michigan sex crimes lawyers know that individuals arrested and subsequently convicted on charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct face serious criminal penalties. This is the most serious of all criminal sex offenses, with individuals who are convicted facing possible life in prison. Additionally, a sex offender who fails to register is guilty of a felony offense that is punishable by up to four years in prison and/or fines of up to $2,000.

February 13, 2013

Fourth Port Huron Resident Taken Into Custody for Alleged Sex Abuse and Torture

by Scott Grabel

In recent weeks, three individuals have been arraigned on charges connected to the sexual assault, torture, and unlawful imprisonment of two individuals. Now, an 18-year-old Port Huron resident, Talon Shaicar Ferguson, has been charged in connection with the alleged crimes which according to news reports took place over a three-week time period.

Ferguson and three others were scheduled for a February 12 preliminary examination in front of Judge Cynthia Platzer. The Voice news stated that Ferguson was charged with two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. The defendants allegedly raped and tortured a man and woman, who were held captive by the four men who were all teens except for 21-year-old Vito Hale, believed to be the “ringleader.” The other two suspects include 18-year-old Bobby Main and 19-year-old Conrad Evenson. The group is alleged to have committed the crimes at a Port Huron home in the 400 block of 14th Street.

Hale denied being the ringleader of the group, saying “I’m not getting in trouble for all of it because I wasn’t the ringleader.” Hale was incarcerated in the St. Clair County Jail when he made the statement during a video arraignment.

Bobby Joe Main was charged with two counts of unlawful imprisonment, torture, and two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Conrad Evenson was charged with one count of first-degree criminal sexual assault, two counts of unlawful imprisonment and torture.

Vito Hale faces charges of torture, two counts of unlawful imprisonment, and three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

All four of the suspects were being held without bond. Assistant Prosecutor Amy Stover said that extensive evidence against the men was found on cell phones, on social media sites.

Michigan sex crime attorneys know the criminal penalties individuals face if convicted of first-, second-, or third-degree criminal sexual conduct are serious. In fact, those convicted of first-degree CSC may face life in prison. It is essential that those accused of or charged with these types of offenses seek legal guidance and protection at once in order to have the best chance of avoiding a conviction and the resulting penalties.

January 16, 2013

Sexual Assault Reported at U of M West Quadrangle; Police Release Video of Suspect

by Scott Grabel

Recently, a University of Michigan student reported to police that she was sexually assaulted in the West Quadrangle residence hall at the university. The assault allegedly occurred on January 13 by a man the victim said she had met at an off-campus party.

Police said the suspect walked the victim to her residence at around 1:00 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. on Sunday morning; according to Heritage Newspaper, the man then assaulted the woman at the residence hall in a common area on the lower level.

News reports describe the suspect as an Asian man with short, dark hair who stands about 5′ 6″ to 5′ 8″ tall. University of Michigan Police crime alert describes the man as thin built, wearing a white t-shirt, black pants, and a royal blue top over the t-shirt.

The day after the alleged sexual assault, two video clips and a still photo were released by U of M police, showing the suspect as he approached a door to exit the residence hall. He then turned around when the door would not allow him to leave, which placed him facing the security camera. The man then walked away; a second video clip shows the suspect near the same door he attempted to exit, walking down a flight of stairs.

Michigan sex crimes defense attorneys know that there are many individuals sitting behind bars today for crimes they were falsely accused of. While we don’t know any of the details regarding what allegedly happened in this case, it is clear that the woman had become acquainted with the man at an off-campus party before returning to the residence hall.

We cannot say what happened in this situation until further evidence is revealed. However, there are many times that young people meet at parties, consume a substantial amount of alcohol, and do things they otherwise would not do, including having sex with those they are not well acquainted with. Individuals can easily be accused of sex crimes even when the alleged victim was a willing participant.

January 9, 2013

Detroit Woman Sexually Assaulted by Man Offering Assistance With Stalled Vehicle

by Scott Grabel

On New Year’s Day, a woman was allegedly sexually assaulted by a man who offered to help the woman and her husband, whose vehicle was stalled on the side of the road.

The couple’s vehicle was stranded at Findlay and Dresden. According to Detroit police, the victim, who is 55 years old, and her 63 year old husband were approached by the man who offered them help as they were sitting in the stalled vehicle.

News reports indicate that the man then demanded money and revealed a weapon, also committing first-degree sexual assault during the incident. He then fled the scene of the crime. The woman was taken to an area hospital where she was treated for her injuries and released; her husband was not injured in the incident.

Detroit police have since released a sketch of the suspect, who they believe is approximately 25 to 30 years old. At the time of the alleged crime, the suspect, who has a light moustache and beard and medium to dark complexion, was said to be wearing a black sweatshirt, jeans, a dark blue coat and black baseball cap with an orange bill. He is said to be stocky built, and about 5 feet 7 inches tall.

Police ask anyone who may have information about the suspect to call their sex crimes unit at 313-596-1950.

Depending on a number of factors, the alleged suspect in this case could face extremely serious consequences if charged with rape or first-degree criminal sexual conduct. As Michigan sexual assault attorneys, we understand the impact that a conviction on serious sex crimes have on an individual’s freedom, reputation, and career. While the penalties may include substantial prison time and monetary fines, being labeled and required to register as a sex offender is perhaps the most harsh punishment of all.

January 7, 2013

Novi Pediatrician Charged with Three Counts in Sexual Assault of Child

by Scott Grabel

Dr. Jeffrey L. Dembs, a 61-year-old pediatrician at My Kid’s Doc, a private medical practice in Novi that caters to children, was arrested in November of 2012 for allegedly sexually assaulting a child younger than 13. He now faces three counts, including two counts of second-degree CSC against a victim younger than 13, and one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Gerald Gleeson, Dembs’ attorney, said that “We categorically deny the charges and I look forward to vindicating him.”

Dembs, a resident of West Bloomfield, was arrested for the incidents which were believed to have taken place between spring of 2009 and summer of 2010, although news sources do not give any details about the alleged crimes or the victim.

The My Kid’s Doc office specializes in pediatrics, and is led by Dr. Dembs, along with Sheryl Hirsch and Sharon Tice. Employees at the facility are “shocked and saddened” according to news reports. Dembs was released after paying a $150,000 bond on December 11, and was scheduled to appear on January 7 before Judge Daniel P. O’Brien for his arraignment, but chose to do so by mail. News reports indicate that Dembs’ pretrial is scheduled for February 8, 2013 at 8:30 a.m.

Michigan sex crimes defense attorneys know that individuals who are convicted on charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct may be sentenced to life in prison. Several readers who commented on these news articles stated that they had used Dr. Dembs for decades for their children, and were even his patients as children themselves. While the allegations against Dembs may be true, lawyers who concentrate on this aspect of the law also know that innocent people are wrongfully accused every day.

January 3, 2013

Detroit Woman Sexually Assaulted After Being Taken from Outside Her Home

by Scott Grabel

On Saturday December 29, a frightening and disturbing attack allegedly occurred on Detroit’s west side. A 33-year-old woman whose identity was not revealed in news reports claimed that she was abducted from outside her home and sexually assaulted. The woman lived in the 17500 block of Plainview, where she was reportedly shoveling snow when the incident occurred.

The incident took place at about 9:30 a.m. according to Detroit police. Sgt. Eren Stephens reported that the woman was outside when the suspect allegedly drove up, approached the woman and produced a weapon. The suspect then allegedly forced the victim into the vehicle and proceeded to drive to an isolated area on Detroit’s west side, where she claims he sexually assaulted her.

News reports state that following the sexual assault, the man released the victim and drove away in the vehicle, which has been recovered by police although the suspect is still at large. Police have released a composite image of the suspect, who is described as mid 20’s and thinly built, with glasses and a full black beard.

Detroit police are asking anyone with information that may lead to an arrest to contact the department’s sex crimes unit at 313-596-1950.

As experienced Michigan sexual assault lawyers, we know that the penalties for those convicted of various sex crimes can be extremely severe. We also know that innocent people are accused of crimes they did not commit every day. The punishment individuals face range from minimal jail or prison time to life in prison, depending upon the circumstances and whether force, coercion, or weapons were used. Additionally, being labeled a sex offender and forced to register as such is punishment that will haunt an individual for the rest of his/her life.

December 28, 2012

Mount Clemens Sex Offender Faces Three Sex Charges Following Alleged Sexual Abuse of 14-year-old Boy

by Scott Grabel

John Sklar Jr. was arraigned in Ingham County District Court on Friday December 21 after being charged with sexual abuse of a boy in June of 2011, when the alleged victim was 14 years old. Sklar was charged with one count of distributing sexually explicit material to a child, and two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

News reports state that the alleged victim reported to police in November of this year that he had been sexually assaulted last year in Delhi Township, where Sklar was living at the time. Police then began investigating the allegation. A search warrant was executed by the Macomb and Ingham county sheriff’s offices. The Michigan State Police Crimes Against Children Task Force is currently analyzing items which were seized at Sklar’s residence.

The defendant, John Frank Sklar Jr., was convicted on sex charges in Oakland County in 1998, and is a registered sex offender. The Lansing State Journal reports that according to Ingham County Detective Annie Harrison, Sklar was arrested on Monday, December 17 on unrelated charges in Mount Clemens; he was then transferred to Lansing, where he is being held without bond in the Ingham County jail. Sklar is scheduled to appear in court for a pretrial conference on January 2.

Michigan sex crime attorneys know that charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct are extremely serious, subjecting the accused to severe penalties if convicted. Because the defendant in this case is a registered sex offender, he will likely face punishment that is even more severe.

December 5, 2012

Carrollton Township Man Charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct Against Incapacitated Woman

by Scott Grabel

Michigan sex crime defense attorneys understand that while there are plenty of sexual predators in society today who commit heinous crimes, there are also many innocent individuals who are accused of crimes such as rape, sexual assault and even child molestation. Individuals who are convicted of these offenses often face extremely harsh penalties, including the requirement to register as a sex offender, which can ruin a person’s life and reputation forever. Registered sex offenders frequently find it difficult or impossible to obtain employment, housing, or to secure a student loan or professional license. The stigma will hang over the accused individual’s life forever, often preventing acceptance into society.

Recently, a 27-year-old Carrollton Township man was charged with sexually assaulting a woman who was alleged to be mentally incapable and/or physically helpless at the time. Anthony S. Broemer was formally charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct against someone who is incapacitated. If convicted, he could face life in prison.

Police state that at the time of the alleged assault, the victim was unconscious. The crime occurred in Saginaw on May 27th according to news reports, which state that Broemer was arraigned on Monday, November 26 and remains in jail. He is being held on $250,000 bond after Saginaw County District Judge Terry L. Clark entered a not guilty plea on Broemer’s behalf.

Broemer was scheduled to go before District Judge Kyle Higgs Tarrant for a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, December 4th.

First-degree criminal sexual conduct is an extremely serious charge, the most serious of all sexual offenses. Michigan’s Penal Code 750.520b states that individuals are subject to a conviction on charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct if that individual engages in sexual penetration with another individual, accompanied by various other circumstances. One of these circumstances includes if the other person is incapacitated, physically helpless, mentally disabled or otherwise incapable.