GRAND RAPIDS SEX ABUSE LAWYER

Grand Rapids has been reported in various settings, reflecting the broader trends across the state. The necessity for comprehensive sexual assault and harassment education, as emphasized by legislative actions like Senate Bill 66, is critical in these environments for prevention and awareness.

Instances of Sex Abuse in Grand Rapids

Educational Institutions and Clergy Abuse

A new report by the Attorney General’s office contains allegations against 26 priests and two deacons in the Diocese of Gaylord, which covers 21 counties in northern Michigan, including parts of Grand Rapids. The report is part of a statewide investigation into how the Catholic Church handled reports of sexual abuse by clergy. The report found that the diocese considered some of the allegations credible. Still, none of the cases resulted in criminal charges for various reasons, such as the statute of limitations or the death of the accused. The bishop of the diocese apologized to the victims and said the diocese cooperated with the investigation.

Babysitters and Private Teachers

A man who was investigated by Michigan Radio for allegedly sexually abusing two young girls in East Grand Rapids and Lansing was sentenced to probation and ordered to register as a sex offender. The man, who worked as a nanny and a tutor, was accused of touching the girls inappropriately and showing them pornography. The man pleaded no contest to one count of aggravated indecent exposure and one count of accosting a minor for immoral purposes.

Workplaces and Public Spaces

A former Grand Rapids police officer was sentenced to 18 months in prison for sexually assaulting a woman he met on a dating app. The officer, who was off-duty at the time, invited the woman to his apartment and forced her to have sex with him. The woman reported the assault to the police, and the officer was arrested and fired from his job. The officer pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and apologized to the victim in court.

Home Environments

AGrand Rapids man was convicted of sexually abusing his stepdaughter for more than a decade, starting when she was seven years old. The man, who was a pastor and a counselor, used his position of authority and trust to manipulate and control the victim. The abuse came to light when the victim, who was 19 at the time, confided in a friend and sought help from a therapist. The man was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison, and the victim said she hoped her story would inspire other survivors to speak out.

Our sex abuse lawyers take on civil injury cases following similar circumstances as those above. Never wait to speak with our team and fight for justice.