Sex Crimes

January 7, 2013

Novi Pediatrician Charged with Three Counts in Sexual Assault of Child

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.

November 26, 2012

Sexual Assault Charges Filed Against 54-year-old Ann Arbor Man

by Scott Grabel

Richard Wilson, a 54-year-old Ann Arbor resident, has recently been charged with 3 counts of criminal sexual conduct in the third degree after allegedly sexually assaulting an acquaintance. News reports state that Wilson forced a 67-year-old woman to have sex at his residence located in the 900 block of South Maple Road.

According to Ann Arbor Detective William Stanford, Wilson was arraigned on the felony charges on November 21 at the Washtenaw County Jail. Stanford also told news reporters that the woman knew Wilson due to the fact that she frequently called him to do minor repairs and odd jobs at her home, such as fixing the sink. Allegedly, Wilson wanted to take the relationship to another level according to Stanford.

On the evening the sexual assault allegedly occurred, Wilson and the woman had gone out to dinner and returned to his residence, an apartment, where Wilson then forced himself sexually on the victim, became violent and would not let her leave. Shortly thereafter, the woman reported the assault to police who began a search for Wilson. Following a brief period of hiding, Wilson turned himself in to authorities, Stanford said.

On Wednesday afternoon Wilson was being held at the Washtenaw County Jail according to jail records, which did not reveal bond information or Wilson’s next scheduled court date.

Michigan sex crime defense attorneys know that without a seasoned lawyer to defend their freedom, individuals arrested for an offense such as third-degree criminal sexual conduct face serious penalties if convicted. Substantial prison time (up to 15 years for a conviction on third-degree charges) and being required to register as a sex offender for life are some of the possible consequences for a conviction on these types of offenses.

November 21, 2012

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

by Scott Grabel

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.