Michigan Sex Crime Attorneys Blog

November 21, 2012

20-Year-Old Grand Rapids Man Jailed for Shooting Teen Girl, Underage Sex

Damon Raines, a 20-year-old Grand Rapids man, was sentenced to 15 to 60 years in prison after being convicted on charges of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. According to news reports, Raines pleaded guilty to the crime and was charged as a fourth-time habitual offender.

In a Kent County Circuit Court on November 13, Defense Attorney Valerie Foster explained to the judge that Raines and his almost 16-year-old alleged victim were only four years apart in age. Now, it seems that this slight age difference will leave Raines incarcerated for more than a decade of his young life.

Raines was arrested after a reported shooting in December of 2011; as police arrived on the scene at a home on Ridgebrook Drive SE, they learned that Raines had taken a 15-year-old runaway into his bedroom and allegedly had sex with the girl. It was during this time that Raines was showing the girl a Smith and Wesson revolver when it accidentally discharged, according to investigators. The girl suffered numerous injuries to her pancreas, liver, diaphragm and arms; Raines and two others drove the girl to Metro Health Hospital for treatment of her injuries.

Foster asked the judge to consider the action Raines took in saving the girl’s life, stating that in her mind, their relationship was something of a Romeo and Juliet, that it wasn’t like an older man and teen girl considering their ages.

Circuit Judge Donald Johnston said there were circumstances that could not be ignored in the sentencing of Raines, and spoke of the defendant’s current probation for possessing methamphetamine, as well as the fact that a 9 mm pistol, the Smith and Wesson revolver and a sawed-off shotgun were found in the home, along with marijuana and cocaine.

Raines, a young man who was 19 years old when the incident took place, believed that the runaway girl was 16 at the time, according to his mother. Although the sexual intercourse was consensual and Raines had given the girl a place to stay, his unfortunate mistakes will cost him a good portion of his life.

Michigan sex crimes attorneys know that young people often make horrible and life-changing mistakes such as this, having sexual relationships with those they believe to be of age. Sometimes the cost of young innocence is great, and young peoples’ lives ruined.

November 20, 2012

Former Albion Music Teacher Sentenced to at Least Two Years on Charge of Third-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct

by Scott Grabel

On Monday November 19, 32-year-old Bowen Wall, a former Albion music teacher, was sentenced to a minimum of two years in prison on a charge of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. Wall allegedly had sex with a 15-year-old student between May 12 and May 19, and was charged in September. Wall pleaded no contest to the charge.

Wall was initially charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Because he pleaded no contest, the charge was reduced to third-degree CSC, which means Wall will not face life in prison. Jason Bomia, Wall’s attorney, stood with Wall as Calhoun County Circuit Judge Conrad Sindt announced the sentence; Wall had nothing to say. The mother of the alleged victim said, “She is a child and she feels guilty for what is happening to you.”

According to the Albion police, the relationship with Wall was consensual; however, because of the victim’s age she cannot legally consent. The girl’s mother told the judge that she had supported Wall as a teacher, and been a friend to him. She said in court, “I trusted you and you violated my daughter. You stole what is not yours. You had no right.”

Wall turned himself in to authorities in May when a warrant was issued for his arrest. The student and her mother reported the sexual relationship to authorities; the alleged victim was not identified, and it was believed that the sexual encounters took place off school grounds.

Michigan sex crime defense lawyers know that it is often the case that an underage individual has consensual sexual relations with an adult. However, adults are punished to the greatest extent possible under Michigan law. There are also circumstances in which innocent individuals are accused of sex-related offenses.

November 12, 2012

Lansing Convicted Sex Offender Charged with Not Registering in Ohio

by Scott Grabel

John D. Hunt, a 29-year-old convicted sex offender, was recently wanted by Norwalk and Huron County authorities in Ohio after Hunt failed to report as a sex offender. In 1999, Hunt was charged with criminal sexual conduct in Lansing, Michigan after being investigated by Lansing police. He was convicted on the charge through a Wayne County juvenile court.

News reports indicate that authorities have been searching for Hunt since October. Hunt last registered his address on September 14th, and was living in Marion in September of 2011. However, Hunt allegedly had an address most recently in Greenwich on South Railroad Street. A certified letter warning Hunt that he had seven days to register was sent out on September 26th by authorities, according to Norwalk Assistant Law Director Scott Christophel, who stated in news reports that Hunt did not reply to the letter.

Christophel also told reporters that Huron County sheriff’s deputies were not successful in their attempts to personally contact Hunt, and that they tried on three occasions. Hunt pleaded guilty in Huron County Common Pleas Court to attempted failure to register as a sex offender in June of 2011 following a 2010 incident that allegedly took place sometime between September and November of that year. Hunt had moved to Huron County in 2004, but his registered address was shown to be Greenwich, which authorities disproved.

Hunt was ordered to register his address until April of 2014 by Judge Jim Conway in October of 2011. Hunt was sentenced to two years probation and a $250 fine, and was credited for 36 days in the Huron County Jail which were already served. Now, Hunt could face up to 18 months in prison if found in violation of his probation terms.

Michigan sex offender registry defense attorneys understand the seriousness of failing to notify authorities of an address change. Convicted sex offenders are usually required to register, however the restrictions placed on these individuals can have a devastating impact on their lives. Individuals lose the freedom to choose where they live, are often disqualified for government programs or student loans, and may find it extremely difficult to secure employment.

November 8, 2012

East Lansing Restaurant Scene of Alleged Sexual Assault

by Scott Grabel

Manual Antonio Alvarado-Espino, a 32-year-old El Salvador man, has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman at Charlie Kang’s Restaurant in East Lansing. Police were dispatched to the restaurant, located at 127 E. Grand River Avenue, at about 10:50 p.m. on Sunday, November 4th after receiving a 911 call from an unknown woman pleading, “Charlie Kang’s, 127 E. Grand River, please come help me” according to news reports.

When officers arrived at the restaurant, they entered through a rear entrance door which was unlocked. Police said that upon entering the restaurant, they could hear a woman pleading for help in the bathroom, but that it was locked. However, police could get a glimpse through a crack in the frame of the bathroom door, and allegedly witnessed a woman who was partially unclothed and laying on the floor, a naked man standing over her.

News reports claim that both the victim, a 46-year-old woman, and Alvarado-Espino were employees at the restaurant. Upon gaining access into the bathroom, police arrested Alvarado-Espino who was charged with one count of unlawful imprisonment, one count of interfering with electronic communications, and two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. He was arraigned on the charges before East Lansing District Judge Richard Ball on Tuesday.

If you have been charged with criminal sexual conduct in the first degree, or CSC 1st degree, it is urgent that you seek the guidance and support of a skilled Michigan sex crimes defense attorney right away. This is the most serious of all Michigan sex offenses, and if convicted can mean a lengthy prison term or even life for the accused.

In cases such as this one where the accused and the alleged victim knew each other and worked together, it’s often hard to determine if there are underlying circumstances, such as a flirtation or perhaps even a relationship. While the alleged perpetrator in this case may be guilty, there are many situations where innocent individuals spend years behind bars.

October 31, 2012

51-year-old Portage Man Arrested for Sex Crimes Allegedly Committed in Early 90’s

by Scott Grabel

Leonard Richey, a 51-year-old Kalamazoo County resident, was arrested on Thursday October 25th by Michigan State Police, who say he committed sex crimes in Forest Township in 1990 and 1991. Richey was charged with four counts of criminal sexual conduct.

Police began investigating Richey in early 2010, after one of the alleged victims who reportedly had issues for years finally came forward to reveal what happened to him and three others, according to Detective First Lieutenant Chuck Christensen.

News reports claim that Richey has a lengthy criminal past, and that he served prison time for a 1980 negligent homicide charge, as well as six years prison time for a CSC charge that allegedly occurred in 1993. Richey now lives in Portage in an adult foster care home. If convicted, he could face life in prison for allegedly molesting four young boys.

Detective Christensen told news reporters that Richey would use alcohol or other devices to entice the boys and get them in position for the sexual assaults. He was arraigned in the 89th District Court and given no bond. Richey is expected to appear in court again within two weeks.

Michigan sex crimes attorneys understand the serious consequences those charged with a sexual offense against a child face when convicted. You could spend years or even your life behind bars, in addition to being required to register as a sex offender for life. However, skilled and experienced lawyers also know that young children are easily influenced and susceptible to suggestions made by others which may not be fact. In any case involving sexual abuse of a child, it is extremely difficult or even impossible to win without the guidance of a competent attorney.

October 30, 2012

Michigan Man Pleads Guilty to Having Sex With 12-year-old West Virginia Girl

by Scott Grabel

In March of this year, 33-year-old Ashlee Liebert of Whitmore Lake was caught with a young girl in a car in Buffalo, W. Virginia along Cross Creek Road according to Putnam County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Alan Savilla. Savilla told news reporters at the time that as he approached the car, he observed the suspect was totally naked and raising up above what he believed to be a girl who was approximately 10 to 12 years old. She was naked from the waist down, according to Savilla.

Liebert was arrested at the time and charged with third-degree sexual assault along with sex abuse by a parent or guardian. At the time of the arrest, investigators did not collect DNA evidence. Liebert’s attorney Duane Rosenlieb scolded investigators for failing to collect evidence, saying that any DNA evidence was now completely unavailable as he questioned detectives in the case.

According to news reports, Liebert and the young girl met online while playing “World of Warcraft.” Over a five month period, the two allegedly developed a relationship which led to the meeting in W. Virginia. Police claim that Liebert confessed to having met other girls on the Internet.

On Monday October 29th Liebert pleaded guilty to traveling to W. Virginia to have sex with a minor. Liebert entered his plea in Huntington federal court according to federal prosecutors. In a search of Liebert’s home in March, videos of minors engaging in sexual acts and hundreds of images were found according to officials.

Liebert is scheduled to be sentenced on February 11. According to the FBI website, Liebert will be sentenced by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers, and faces a $250,000 fine and up to 30 years in prison.

Michigan sexual assault attorneys understand that the penalties for those convicted on sexual assault charges are severe. While substantial fines and prison time are extremely harsh, perhaps the requirement to register as a sex offender is worst of all. Registered sex offenders lose their privacy, employment opportunities and the freedom to choose where they live.

October 4, 2012

October 15 Deadline to Report for Tier 3 Sex Offenders

by Scott Grabel

Michigan State Police are reminding Tier 3 registered sex offenders that October 15th is the deadline to report in person to a state police post, sheriff’s office or other local law enforcement agency in order to verify address of residence. This is a requirement for Tier 3 offenders, which includes offenders considered the most serious who must remain on the sex offender registry for life.

According to the Michigan Sex Offenders Registration Act, Tier 3 offenders who fail to verify their addresses during the time periods required will be penalized by up to two years incarceration. Tier 3 offenders are required to verify their address on a quarterly basis, and must do so during the first 15 days of January, April, July and October.

In addition, any time a sex offender (whether Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3) changes address, switches jobs, enrolls in a college or university, changes name or vehicle, or Internet identifiers, these changes must be reported within 72 hours (3 days) of that change. If you fail to report this information, it is considered a felony which is punishable by up to 4 years in prison.

The15-day address verification period for Tier 3 offenders began on October 1st. Those who do not comply by October 15th may be arrested under the Sex Offenders Registration Act. Law enforcement agencies do conduct address checks on a random basis to verify that sex offenders are in compliance. Even during the course of a traffic stop or any contact with law enforcement, violators may be arrested.

Tier 1 sex offenders are required to verify address only once each year, during the first 15 days of January.

Tier 2 sex offenders are required to verify address twice each year, once during the first 15 days of January, then again during the first 15 days of July.

Michigan sex crime defense attorneys know the serious and often life-changing impact being required to register as a sex offender means for those convicted of sexual offenses. Where you live, work, or even go to college can be affected; you will likely be treated with disgust by those in your community.

September 26, 2012

Pontiac Woman Allegedly Raped and Dumped in the Street

by Scott Grabel

A 39-year-old Pontiac resident claimed that she was raped and then dumped into the street by her alleged attackers recently. On Friday September 21, deputies were dispatched around 11 p.m. to Shirley and Lois Streets following reports that a woman had been sexually assaulted.

The woman told EMS personnel that she had been raped by two men before being dumped in the street. Neighbors in the area did not recognize the alleged victim, and it was not clear at the time of the incident where the attack actually took place. One woman whose identity was not released said that “a lady was just laying in the middle of the street and another lady was walking by and a car stopped, so we all ran outside.” The unidentified woman said she wanted to do what she could to help the alleged victim.

The woman also said that she could not tell whether the victim had bruises or other injuries because of the fetal position she was lying in. She ultimately called 911 after taking the victim’s pulse, then waited with her until the ambulance arrived on the scene. The alleged victim was transported by ambulance to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital for treatment. News reports also stated that a rape kit was completed.

No description or other information regarding the suspects has been released by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, although they continue to look for leads. Investigators said only that the alleged victim was clearly upset, and reluctant to give a statement; they offered no further comments on the case.

Michigan sex crime lawyers understand the seriousness of these types of charges, and that victims can be injured not only physically, but emotionally as well. Frequently however, false accusations are made. An alleged victim may cry rape after consensual sexual relations. In cases like this, it is essential that you have an experienced Michigan rape defense attorney who will fight aggressively to protect your reputation and freedom.

September 25, 2012

Michigan Sex Offender Living in Kentucky Creating a Stir in Edgewood

by Scott Grabel

William Begley, a Michigan man who is a registered sex offender and who has been behind bars for the majority of the last 18 years on sex charges, is causing a stir in his Edgewood, Kentucky neighborhood. It seems that Begley lives in close proximity to a park and a school, although he is not breaking the law. In Kentucky, sex offenders may not live within 1,000 feet of a playground or school, but this is a law that went into affect in 2006 and does not apply to Begley. Still, neighbors have complained to Edgewood Police.

Begley lives a block away from President’s Park, and across the street from Saint Pius School. Edgewood Police Chief Tony Kramer says that about 6 residents have either stopped by the department or called to complain about the situation, although Begley is breaking no laws. Just out of jail in August, Begley was jailed twice in Michigan on charges of criminal sexual conduct. The problem is with a Kentucky Supreme Court ruling which just went into effect in 2006, requiring that sex offenders live at least 1,000 feet from schools or playgrounds. This rule does not apply to Begley, because it cannot be enforced on individuals convicted of a sex crime prior to 2006. Neighbors say the law is “a crock.”

News reports state that for the few weeks Begley has been living in the neighborhood, he has been low-key and quiet. Talking to news reporters, he said that all he wants is a fresh start. No criminal charges can be filed against Begley simply because he lives in the neighborhood and within a close range of the school and park, but Assistant Kenton County Attorney Jason Reed says that neighbors need to be “vigilant,” and that they can ensure that he is behaving himself by keeping an eye out on the community.

For his part, Begley stated that the neighbors don’t have anything to worry about, that he paid his dues for the mistakes he has made.

Michigan sex crime attorneys understand the hardships registered sex offenders face in society. Even when you have done your time and paid your debt to society, the stigma will always be there. It’s hard to live life when you feel that everyone you come in contact with is watching over his/her shoulder.

September 17, 2012

13-Year-Old Alleged Rape Victim Claims He May Know Attackers

by Scott Grabel

Recently, a 13-year-old fifth grade student at Wayne Elementary in Detroit claims that he was snatched from the school and then raped. Now, the unidentified boy says he may know the two men who attacked him, according to Detroit police, who say the incident “does not appear to be a random act.” In a press release issued September 13th by the department’s public information office, it is revealed that the alleged victim may have known the male suspects.

News reports say the boy alleged that he was taken by two men, one black, one white, and driven to a home nearby in a green pick-up. At the home, the victim claims he was assaulted in a structure described as shed-like in the backyard. The boy’s mother told the Associated Press that the boy has seen the men before around the neighborhood and therefore could identify them, but that he does not know them.

An eyewitness, 42-year-old Lawrence Snider, said that around 2 p.m. on Wednesday he saw the boy wearing his school uniform shirt and underwear as he “wobbled” down the street, and that he was not wearing shoes. According to Snider, when he asked the boy what happened he said he had been raped.

The alleged victim’s mother told reporters that hospital discharge papers state that he was sexually assaulted. He also received shots for protection against sexually transmitted diseases according to his mother.

Relatives claim that the boy has had behavioral issues at Wayne Elementary, where he was transferred this fall. Steve Wasko, school district spokesman, said that all allegations are taken very seriously by the school district.

The victim’s grandmother told news reporters that the boy said he on his way to his classroom from the school’s office when he saw someone outside the doors which he assumed was a parent; he then opened the doors which are not to be opened by anyone but school teachers/officials.

Charges of rape are extremely serious. Often times DNA testing is performed; “he said, she said” testimony is also common in these types of cases. Because the penalties are severe for those convicted, it is paramount that you have a skilled an aggressive Michigan sex crime defense lawyer on your side if you have been accused of rape.