Michigan Sex Crime Attorneys Blog
Three Oakland County teens were recently charged with sexually assaulting a 15-year-old Clawson High School girl after they allegedly used a cell phone to capture sex acts between themselves and the victim, according to news reports. The Macomb Daily identified the three teenagers as 17-year-old Travion Watkins and 18-year-old Terry Watts of Pontiac, and 17-year-old Kheimoni Slaton of Clawson.
The defendants allegedly engaged in sexual intercourse and fellatio with the minor student in October of 2013. New reports indicate that all three of the suspects attended Clawson High School when the alleged sexual assaults occurred. According to police, Watts’ cell phone was used to record the sex acts, which were then shown to other students at the school.
One of the defendants attempted to erase the video from the cell phone once it was learned that school officials had been notified of the assault, however the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department retrieved it.
The three teens have each been charged with three counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. Troy District Judge Kirsten Nielsen-Hartig set bond at $50,000, 10% for each of the defendants, who remained in jail pending a preliminary exam. If the teenagers are found guilty of third-degree CSC, each could face a maximum of 15 years in prison.
Third-degree criminal sexual conduct is a felony offense in Michigan, and involves penetration. Considering the ages of the defendants, each will be in his 30s before regaining freedom if convicted. While it is likely the defendants had no idea of the harsh punishment they would face if caught, it is still a crime even when an alleged victim cooperates if that person is younger than 16 years old.
Sex crimes are punished severely in the state of Michigan; in fact, first-degree CSC carries a maximum penalty of life in prison. If you have been arrested or charged with sexual assault, possession of child pornography, rape, or any related offense, consult with a trusted Michigan sex crimes defense lawyer at once.