Sex Crimes

May 8, 2013

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

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 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 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.

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.