Michigan Sex Crime Attorneys Blog

May 22, 2013

Saginaw Man Charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct to Take Polygraph

In March of this year, 59-year-old Reuben R. Martinez Sr. was charged with sexually assaulting a female relative over the course of five years. He was charged with two counts of first-degree CSC and two counts of second-degree CSC against someone under the age of 13. Now, according to a news article at Mlive.com, Martinez has requested to be given a polygraph test.

Martinez allegedly assaulted the young female relative beginning in August of 2007 when she was five years old; the sexual assaults continued through August of 2012 according to prosecutors in the case. Martinez was arrested on March 18 by Michigan State Police after prosecutors secured an arrest warrant against the defendant on February 7.

On Monday May 20 Martinez waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Saginaw County District Judge Terry L. Clark. He has been bound over to Circuit Court for trial, and currently remains in jail on a $110,000 or 10 percent bond. Martinez pleaded not guilty to the sexual assault charges on March 19 in front of Saginaw County District Judge M.T. Thompson.

Martinez waived his right to a preliminary hearing so that he can take a polygraph test. While the results of a polygraph are not admissible in court, they can help prosecutors determine whether to proceed forward or drop the charges against an individual accused of a criminal offense.

As all Michigan sex crime lawyers know, there are situations in which an innocent person is accused of a crime he or she did not commit. News reports do not indicate that Martinez has a prior criminal record, and his desire to take a polygraph test may further support whether he is innocent. When a victim is under the age of 13, the mandatory minimum prison sentence for a conviction of first-degree criminal sexual conduct is 25 years.

May 16, 2013

Sentencing for Bay City Woman Accused of Molesting Boyfriend’s Minor Siblings Rescheduled

by Scott Grabel

In April of this year, 21-year-old Alyssa D. Jones pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the underage brothers of her boyfriend. Jones, who lives in Bay City, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault with intent to commit sexual penetration. She was scheduled to be sentenced on Monday, May 13. The sentencing hearing has now been rescheduled for Monday, June 3 after Jones decided to change defense attorneys.

The defendant was initially charged with two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct and four counts of third-degree CSC with a person between the ages of 13 and 15. Prosecutors dismissed these charges in exchange for Jones’ pleas.

According to a news report at Mlive.com, Jones’ boyfriend, who was 17 years old, lived with his mother and two brothers who were 14 and 15 years old. On October 1 Bay City police were called to the home after receiving a report of domestic violence. Jones and her boyfriend were involved in an altercation after she allegedly told her boyfriend that she had sex with his 15-year-old brother, according to what police were told by the boys’ mother. She also said that the 15-year-old had a hickey on his neck, and that Jones admitted she was responsible.

The younger siblings arrived at the home while police were on the scene. It was at this point that the 14-year-old revealed to his mother that he had also engaged in sexual activity with Jones recently. Court records indicate that the boys’ mother requested Jones be arrested by police.

Both of the younger boys were interviewed in late October by staff at the Nathan Weidner Children’s Advocacy Center, and claimed that on the same day, both had sex with the defendant at their home.

Assault with intent to commit sexual penetration is a 10-year felony offense. Michigan sex crime lawyers know that not only may the defendant in this case spend substantial time behind bars, she may also be required to register as a sex offender, punishment which will no doubt affect her ability to secure employment and negatively impact other areas of her life.

May 15, 2013

Alger County School Administrator Charged With CSC Waives Preliminary Hearing

by Scott Grabel

In March, 35-year-old Benjamin David Franklin II who was the principal and administrator of Munising Baptist Church and School was arrested in connection with alleged sexual activity with a student at the school, and charged with one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. Franklin was arraigned in Alger County District Court.

On May 9, a news article at UpperMichigansSource.com indicated that Franklin is now facing additional charges in regards to his alleged involvement with the teenage female student. According to the report, the defendant is now facing two additional charges of CSC in the third degree after the criminal complaint was amended. Franklin was bound over to circuit court after waiving his preliminary hearing on Thursday, May 9.

Franklin is accused of engaging in sexual conduct with a female student who was said to be between the ages of 16 and 18. Upon learning of the allegations on March 12, families were notified by school officials that Franklin had resigned his position; ten days later families of the school students were informed that a police investigation into the allegations was underway.

Franklin’s bond was set at $5,000; he was released immediately following his arraignment and remains free. He currently resides in St. Joseph, IL.

Without a capable team of Michigan sex crime defense attorneys defending your freedom, charges of third-degree criminal sexual conduct could leave you facing a substantial length of time behind bars. Not only that, your career and reputation will likely be ruined, and being labeled a sex offender will negatively impact your life forever, creating a stigma that follows you wherever you may go.

May 8, 2013

Meridian Township Police in Search of Registered Sex Offender Wanted for Indecent Exposure

by Scott Grabel

Meridian Township Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a man who is accused of indecent exposure. David Lee Arnold, a Lansing man, is a registered sex offender and believed to be involved in two incidents recently in which he exposed himself to women in a coffee shop.

According to a news article at the Lansing State Journal, a warrant was issued on Thursday, May 2, for Arnold who is 55 years old. The warrant for Arnold’s arrest includes being a habitual offender fourth offense, three counts of indecent exposure, and sexual delinquency.

Records indicate that the suspect first registered as a sex offender in 1995 in Michigan. Arnold has records in Ingham, Kent, Oakland, and Washtenaw Counties for prior incidents related to sexual delinquency and indecent exposure which range from the early ’90s to 2007 according to news reports at Mlive.com.

The two incidents of indecent exposure which occurred recently involve a man believed to be Arnold, who sits in a local coffee shop and exposes himself to women sitting nearby as he appears to be reading a newspaper. Police say he then gets up and leaves.

Arnold is believed to be in his late 50s or early 60s, and is described as 5′ 11″ tall weighing about 200 pounds.

As skilled Michigan indecent exposure attorneys know, an individual who is convicted on a charge of indecent exposure may face up to one year in jail along with substantial fines. However, if that individual has already been determined to be sexually delinquent, he or she may be sentenced to life in prison. Because Arnold is a registered sex offender, he will likely face serious penalties if convicted of the crimes he is accused of.

May 1, 2013

Farmington Hills Teacher Charged With CSC in Connection with Conduct with 7-year-old

by Scott Grabel

On March 28 of this year, 58-year-old Andrew M. Howell, a longtime substitute teacher at Farmington Public Schools, was charged with second-degree criminal sexual conduct in connection with an incident involving a 7-year-old student. A preliminary exam was scheduled for April 17 in 47th District Court before Judge Marla Parker.

Howell, a resident of Farmington Hills, allegedly touched the child inappropriately on March 19 as he was substituting. According to a news article at C & G News, Howell picked up the girl to put her on his lap, and in the process placed his hands between her legs or on her bottom. Howell’s defense attorney, Mitch Ribitwer, said in news reports that he had not seen the entire discovery.

At his March 29 arraignment hearing before Judge James Brady, Howell was given a $1 million cash or surety bond; because the defendant allegedly admitted his sexual feelings toward minors to police, a reduction in his bond amount was denied.

Howell has been a substitute teacher for more than 25 years according to a news article at Mlive.com. If convicted of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, he could face up to 15 years in prison. He may also be subject to lifetime monitoring with a GPS tether, and required to register as a sex offender for life.

Michigan sex criminal defense attorneys know that an individual may be charged with second-degree CSC if he or she engages in sexual contact with a person who is younger than 13 under Michigan’s Penal Code 750.520c. There are also many other factors which may lead to charges of criminal sexual conduct 2nd degree. The penalties are severe, and unfortunately many innocent people sit behind prison bars today for crimes they did not commit.

April 17, 2013

Ypsilanti Man Convicted of Sexual Assault in March Faces Additional Charges

by Scott Grabel

On March 15, 76-year-old Dervin Mood was convicted by an Oakland County jury on a charge of third-degree criminal sexual conduct; Mood was on federal probation for child pornography at the time. Now it has been revealed in a news article at AnnArbor.com that Mood will go on trial for five charges of CSC in Washtenaw County. These charges stem from incidents which allegedly occurred at his home in Ypsilanti.

The criminal sexual conduct charges against Mood in both Oakland and Washtenaw County are related to the same victim. News articles state that the man has mental health issues, including Asperger’s syndrome. He was assaulted by Mood according to prosecutors at the age of `12, 15, 16, and 19 in a time period that spanned from 2003 to 2011.

Mood is a former child care provider and school teacher who was on federal probation for possessing child pornography when charged with CSC in Washtenaw County. Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper stated in news articles regarding last month’s conviction that Mood would likely be sentenced to 51 to 106 months in prison. Now, Mood will again go on trial in Washtenaw County; his trial date is scheduled for April 29.

While it wasn’t revealed how the current allegations would affect Mood’s federal probation, Cooper said it was bound to in some way. The federal charges were related to child pornography found on Mood’s computer, along with diary entries and recordings.

Whether for first-, second-, or third-degree criminal sexual conduct, Michigan sex crime attorneys know the penalties are harsh – and the damage done to the accused individual’s future and reputation cannot be undone. Being required to register as a sex offender is perhaps the worst penalty of all, as the consequences can last a lifetime. Career and employment opportunities may be affected, not to mention the stigma that follows the individual around like a black cloud.

April 3, 2013

Cascade Township Massage Therapist Arrested for Criminal Sexual Conduct for the Second Time

by Scott Grabel

In late March, Lawrence Urban was arrested after a customer at his massage therapy clinic, the Therapeutic Stress Free Massage Center in Cascade Township, alleged that Urban touched her inappropriately during a massage. After investigating the allegation, Urban was charged with 4th degree criminal sexual conduct and released on bail.

Now, the 49-year-old man has been arrested yet again in connection with a customer who said that she was sexually assaulted in late January or early February as she received a massage from the suspect. The Kent County Prosecutor’s Office reviewed this information and authorized an additional two count warrant for 4th degree CSC. After his arrest on April Fool’s day, Urban bonded out on $10,000 that same day.

According to police, Urban admitted to touching a female client’s genital area after asking the woman if she wanted an orgasm. Kent County Sheriff’s Detective Jason Russo said that after the woman answered no, Urban told her that “your body is telling me one thing, but you are telling me another.”

Russo said that Urban told him the woman way lying on the massage table in a face-down position, and that he did touch her genitals without her permission. Urban told police that the way the client’s muscles felt and her body language indicated to him that she desired to be sexually pleasured.

Police continue to investigate the allegations against Urban.

Michigan sex crime defense lawyers are dedicated to protecting the freedom and reputation of those charged with sex-related offenses. As in this case, it seems that often times after one alleged victim comes forward, others begin coming out of the woodwork. While it cannot be determined what situation is in this case, innocent people are often wrongfully accused of crimes they did not commit.

March 22, 2013

Bay City Man Facing 34 Felony Charges After Allegedly Raping 12-year-old Buena Vista Township Girl

by Scott Grabel

In December of 2012, 25-year-old Charles View was charged with 14 counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and three counts of second-degree CSC against someone under the age of 13 after he allegedly sexually assaulted a Buena Vista Township girl 17 times. On Tuesday following the 12-year-old girl’s testimony, additional charges were added including one count of first-degree CSC, five counts of second-degree CSC, two counts of unlawful imprisonment, and nine counts of assault with intent to commit sexual penetration. In all, View now faces 34 felony charges.

View previously lived in Buena Vista Township, where he allegedly committed the crimes against the victim during 2012. He remains in the Saginaw County Jail, where he is being held without bond. In his December arraignment, a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf by Saginaw County Chief District Judge M. Randall Jurrens.

Prosecutors requested the additional charges against View on Tuesday; Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank granted their request and View will now face trial on all 34 felony charges.

Michigan sex crime defense attorneys understand that the charges against View are extremely serious. Without an experienced and aggressive lawyer to provide a strong and effective defense, he will likely face many years and possibly life in prison. Being convicted on sexual assault or rape charges almost inevitably results in a lifetime of punishment, as even those who serve prison time and are released are typically labeled as ‘sex offenders’ for life, and required to register with the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry.

March 7, 2013

Three University of Michigan Female Students Report Sexual Assault; Police Investigate U-M Graduate

by Scott Grabel

Recently, three University of Michigan students have reported to police that each was sexually assaulted by a 31-year-old Ann Arbor man during parties hosted at his apartment. The alleged assaults took place in September and on February 15 of this year, according to news reports at AnnArbor.com.

The suspect, who is reported to be an Asian man looking younger than his age, is said to be about 140 pounds, 5’6″ to 5’7″ in height with brown eyes and black hair. Neither the suspect or the alleged victims’ names were revealed in news reports.

All three women are U-M students and said to be over the age of 18. One of the assaults allegedly occurred on February 15; the other two date back to September of 2012. Diane Brown, U-M police spokeswoman, stated that one of the September incidents was not reported to police until the latest assault was reported, but that she did report it to university officials at the time.

Police continue to investigate the sexual assault allegations according to Lt. Robert Pfannes of the Ann Arbor Police Dept. All three assaults were said to have taken place at the Zaragon Place Apartments where the suspect lives, located on East University Avenue. All three alleged victims report having drank alcohol at the man’s apartment, and afterward being assaulted. Two of the victims said that they woke up in the midst of the assaults after passing out.

The first victim did not want to file a police report, but told a university official about the alleged assault in mid-October. The official then reported the incident to police. The second victim did not report the sexual assault to either police or university officials, although news reports state that investigators were informed of the incident. The third victim notified university officials, and staff worked with her to help her understand her options; she then filed a report with the police department. At this time, a crime alert was issued.

While Michigan sex crime attorneys understand that sometimes victims do not want to come forward out of embarrassment or even fear, there are also times that innocent people are falsely accused of crimes they did not commit. When sexual relations take place under the influence of alcohol, it is often difficult to determine whether they were forced or consensual.

March 4, 2013

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

by Scott Grabel

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.