Articles Posted in Sexual Assault

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.

Continue reading

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.

Continue reading

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.

Continue reading

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.

Continue reading

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.

Continue reading

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.

Continue reading

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.

Continue reading

A 43-year-old Detroit woman was allegedly sexually assaulted in May of this year according to news reports. Now, Detroit police are requesting help from the public in locating a suspect in the assault. Police believe the man is in his 30s, approximately 5′ 10″ tall and weighing about 160 pounds. He is described as having a medium brown complexion and black wavy hair; he was last seen wearing black pants, a red t-shirt and a black hooded shirt. Reports are conflicting as some indicate the suspect was wearing blue painter’s pants.

According to news reports the incident took place on May 16th of this year when the suspect allegedly forced the woman in to a white 1990s model Pontiac Grand Prix. The suspect then drove the woman to the area of Lahser and Fenkell, where it is alleged he sexually assaulted her. He was also said to have been armed when the assault occurred.

Detroit police are asking anyone who may know or have information about the suspect to call the department’s Sex Crimes Unit at 313-596-1950.

Michigan sexual assault defense attorneys understand the seriousness of these types of crimes. In most cases, sexual assault will be charged more specifically by prosecutors under criminal sexual conduct; if convicted, you may face substantial time behind bars and be required to register on the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry. Being labeled a “sex offender” will negatively affect many areas of your life, including your career and/or employment opportunities.

In addition, a crime that is committed in conjunction with the accused being in possession of a firearm is considered felony firearm. This means that an individual who is accused of committing a crime such as sexual assault will face at least two additional years in prison on top of the sentence handed out for the underlying crime.

Continue reading