Sex Crimes

January 7, 2015

Off Duty Sheriff’s Deputy in Chicago Charged with Attempting to Sexually Assault a Prostitute

On New Year’s Eve, Chicago police officers noticed a vehicle that was partially blocking an alley and double parked, according to a news article at the Chicago Tribune. As they approached the vehicle, Cook County sheriff’s Deputy Fernando B. Rodriguez attempted to send the officers away, telling them that it was “OK,” he was on the job. Rodriguez was not on duty at the time, however a woman jumped out of the passenger side of the car and told police what happened.

According to the woman, who was a known prostitute to police, Rodriguez asked her to get into the car. He then displayed a holstered handgun, told her he was a police officer, and according to Beth Novy, Assistant State’s Attorney, told the woman that he would let her go “if she handled this the right way.” Rodriguez was arrested after it was determined that he was not on duty and was not acting in an official capacity. In addition, Novy alleged that police had seen Rodriguez driving around in the area, which is known for prostitution, in November.

Rodriguez, who began working for Cook County in July of 1991, is charged with felony attempted aggravated criminal sexual assault.

December 24, 2014

Buena Vista Township Man to Spend 22 Years in Prison for 2011 Rape of Woman at Gunpoint

by Scott Grabel

On Thursday, December 18, 22-year-old Kevin D. Champion was sentenced to 22 years and one month to 40 years in prison for the 2011 rape of a woman at gunpoint, according to a news article at Mlive.com.

In July, Champion pleaded no contest as charged to one count each of second-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a weapon, armed robbery, kidnapping, and extortion, and three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a weapon. The crimes occurred in late September of 2011 outside 2001 Limerick at Webber on Saginaw’s southeast side.

In March, the victim testified at Champion’s preliminary hearing, but could not identify him as the offender. The Michigan State Police crime lab conducted tests that indicated a semen stain on the woman’s hoodie matched samples of Champion’s DNA.

December 18, 2014

SF 49ers Defensive Lineman Ray McDonald Under Investigation on Suspicion of Sexual Assault

by Scott Grabel

On December 17, an article was published on the NFL website regarding the San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Ray McDonald. According to the article, McDonald is suspected of sexual assault, and is under investigation. His San Jose home was searched by San Jose Police Department detectives, according to Sgt. Heather Randol.

On Tuesday evening, an area hospital notified the department that a woman, allegedly the victim, was seeking medical treatment. She told police that she was “possibly” sexually assaulted by McDonald, however no arrest had been made at the time of the news article.

The league is investigating the matter, according to an NFL spokesperson. In addition, Trent Baalke, general manager for the 49ers, said on Monday that the decision was made by the team to release McDonald from his contract.

November 19, 2014

Houston Police Officer Accused of Sexual Assault on 15-year-old Girl He Had a ‘Dating’ Relationship With

by Scott Grabel

Ruben Carerra, a 27-year-old Houston police officer who has worked at Central Command since 2012, was recently charged with sexual assault of a child after he allegedly had a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl. Carerra admitted to the accusations, saying that he and the girl had a “dating relationship.”

The alleged victim works at a Chick-Fil-A restaurant, where co-workers reported the relationship after witnessing Carerra picking up the girl at the restaurant and leaving in his patrol car. One co-worker said that they came in like a “normal couple.”

The alleged victim told investigators that she and Carerra went a lot further than kissing, and that on one occasion, he answered a radio call while in his uniform. The girl told authorities while being interviewed that she and Carerra were lying on her bed kissing, and that he asked her if she wanted to do “it.” She claims that she declined having sex, but that he sexually assaulted her.

October 28, 2014

38-year-old Kent County Man Pleads Guilty to Two Counts of Second-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct

by Scott Grabel

Last month, we wrote about David Harold Fricke, a 38-year-old Kent County man who had been charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct in the alleged sexual assault of a 9-year-old girl in November of 2013. Now, Fricke has pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, a move that will not only prevent the young victim from having to testify, but likely result in reduced prison time for Fricke.

According to a news article at Mlive.com, Fricke initially told police that the girl was responsible for the sexual contact, and that she approached him while he was taking a shower. Now, he admits that he initiated the contact with the girl, touching her breasts and buttocks at his home. Had Fricke gone to trial and been convicted of first-degree CSC, he would have faced a minimum of 25 years in prison. Now, he will face up to 15 years in prison.

While the alleged victim claims there were four occasions on which she was assaulted, no more charges will be filed according to Assistant Kent County Prosecutor Robin Esslinger, as it was agreed as part of the plea deal that no additional charges would be filed in connection with this victim.

October 10, 2014

First-degree Criminal Sexual Conduct Charges Against Man Claiming to Be a Minister Dropped

by Scott Grabel

On Wednesday, October 8, a single charge of first-degree criminal sexual conduct against Thomas Burchfield of Albion was dismissed, according to a news article at Mlive.com. Burchfield claims to be a minister at the Greater Bible Way Temple in Jackson, although detectives said that the church’s website does not list him as such.

Charges were dismissed because the 7-year-old alleged victim refused to testify at a preliminary exam last week while the defendant and his family were in the courtroom. Burchfield was charged with first-degree CSC in September; prosecutor’s intend to re-issue charges against the defendant after requesting the judge place Burchfield behind a screen and close the courtroom to observers during the girl’s testimony.

Burchfield was accused of sexually assaulting the victim as he babysat her at an apartment complex in late June of this year. A police report indicates that the girl was combing Burchfield’s hair as he sat in front of the television. Burchfield stated in an interview with police that he repositioned the girl while she was sitting in his lap so that she was on his right knee, but that he did not touch her purposely in an inappropriate manner.

October 8, 2014

Dowagiac Sex Offender Found Guilty of Molesting Child Less Than 10 Years Old

by Scott Grabel

Last week, 30-year-old Timothy Solloway of Dowagiac was found guilty of sexually molesting a child less than 10 years old, according to a news article at Mlive.com. Solloway had prior sex offenses and was convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

According to Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz, Solloway was also convicted on two counts of sex offender registry violations. Because of the victim’s age, the minimum mandatory sentence for his first-degree CSC conviction is 25 years. The maximum punishment for this offense is life in prison.

Solloway has been required to register as a sex offender since he was convicted of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct in 2001. The victim was allegedly assaulted by Solloway at his residence in July of last year. Fitz’s statement also indicated that the child’s mother took the child to a local hospital, where it was found by a nurse that injuries, including abrasions and tears, were indicative of sexual assault. Fitz said that the child indicated that the defendant threatened harm if the child told anyone about the incident.

October 2, 2014

48-year-old Oakley Man Accused of Sexual Assault of Young Boys in Saginaw County

by Scott Grabel

Recently, 48-year-old Emil M. Sporcic Jr. of Oakland was charged with allegedly sexually assaulting two young boys who are now teenagers in various locations in Saginaw County.

According to a news article at Mlive.com, the sexual assaults took place beginning in January of 2010 and continuing to August of this year. Sporcic has been charged with five counts each of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and third-degree criminal sexual conduct by force or coercion.

A not guilty plea was entered by Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank at Sporcic’s arraignment on September 18. He was ordered held without bond, and remains in jail. Last week Sporcic waived his right to a preliminary hearing before District Judge M.T. Thompson. A new hearing date has not yet been scheduled.

While first-degree criminal sexual conduct is the most serious charge for a sexual offense and involves penetration, third-degree CSC also involves penetration. A conviction for first-degree CSC may result in a life prison term, while third-degree criminal sexual conduct carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.

The allegations against the defendant in this case are extremely serious; if found guilty, Sporcic may be sentenced to spend the rest of his life behind bars. Depending on the facts of the case and the evidence, his defense lawyer may advise him that working out a plea agreement with prosecutors may result in a more favorable outcome. However, if Sporcic is innocent of the charges leveled against him, it may be better to go to trial and prove his innocence in order to avoid criminal penalties and the requirement to register as a sex offender.

September 22, 2014

53-year-old Saginaw Man Who Served 30 Years in Prison for Rape Linked to Recent Sexual Assaults

by Scott Grabel

53-year-old Larry D. Currington of Saginaw was recently jailed without bond after being charged in three recent sexual assaults, one involving a woman in Saginaw’s Old Town district, according to news reports at Mlive.com. Currington had been in prison for nearly 30 years after he was convicted of raping a woman in downtown Saginaw in November of 1983. Following his release from prison in July of 2012, Currington had been on parole and was just released this past July.

The most recent incidents took place on August 19, September 6, and September 14, according to reports. Among other charges in the three incidents including robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, and assault with a dangerous weapon, Currington is charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a weapon, three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a weapon, and one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct.

In all three incidents, Currington allegedly attacked women who were alone near their vehicles in the area of Hamilton Street and Cass. At the time of news reports, how police linked Currington to the attacks was not revealed. Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank entered a plea of not guilty on the defendant’s behalf.

Considering his criminal history and the fact that Currington was imprisoned for almost 30 years for rape, it is very likely he will spend the rest of his life behind bars if found guilty of the recent sexual assaults. In addition, carjacking and kidnapping are extremely serious crimes which may result in a life sentence.

Regardless of whether an individual has been convicted of a sex crime in the past or is accused for the first time, it is vital to consult with an experienced and aggressive Michigan sex crime defense attorney. The criminal penalties for rape, child pornography or molestation, and other offenses are extremely severe; your career, reputation, and future will be ruined if convicted. In many situations, innocent people are accused of crimes they did not commit.

September 17, 2014

Holland Man Staying at Rescue Mission Charged with Indecent Exposure

by Scott Grabel

Last week, 29-year-old Anthony Scott Currier of Holland was arrested and charged with indecent exposure by a sexually delinquent person after two incidents in the area involving exposure of his private parts, according to a news article at Mlive.com. Police believe Currier may have exposed himself in other incidents in the area recently; he is a registered sex offender, on the registry for life following a 2005 conviction for fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct in Ottawa County.

The most recent incidents took place between September 6th and 9th, according to reports. On September 6, Currier allegedly exposed himself near Washington Avenue and 19th Street. On the 9th, he allegedly exposed himself near Black River Public School according to the story told to police by an 11-year-old girl, although he has not been charged in the incident. Captain Jack Dykstra of Holland Police indicated that more charges may be forthcoming against Currier, who police believe is a suspect in other cases involving indecent exposure.

Holland was staying at Holland Rescue Mission most recently, according to police. He is currently held on a $200,000 bond as the investigation continues.

Indecent exposure may not seem like a serious crime when compared to other sex crimes such as child molestation or rape, however it is a serious situation – particularly when the accused is a registered sex offender, or known to be sexually delinquent. While indecent exposure is a misdemeanor offense with criminal penalties that include up to one year in jail for those convicted, the consequences could be far more serious for a registered sex offender. In fact, those who are considered sexually delinquent and who are found guilty of indecent exposure may face up to life in prison.