Michigan AG announces first charges in Boy Scouts of America investigation
Michigan’s attorney general on Wednesday announced the first criminal charges in connection with an investigation into the Boy Scouts of America after thousands of people filed claims of child sex abuse against the organization.
Students protest Eastern Michigan University’s handling of sexual assault reports
YPSILANTI, Mich. – Eleven women are involved in a lawsuit against Eastern Michigan University that alleges the university turned a blind eye to reports of sexual assault. READ: More victims come forward in Eastern Michigan University sexual assault investigationAdAccording to the lawsuit, EMU is currently investigating 30 “brutal rapes that occurred at Eastern Michigan University and in the surrounding area from 2015 through 2020.”On Thursday, hundreds of students gathered on campus to demand better of the school. They said that there have been reports of similar incidents circulating around campus for years and that now is the time for justice. AdWe share students’ concerns over sexual assaults and fully endorse the expression of their views in this public manner. The university stands with all survivors of sexual assault and is committed to supporting them.
Lawsuit: Eastern Michigan University ‘turned a blind eye’ to reports of sexual assault
YPSILANTI, Mich. – Eleven women are involved in a lawsuit against Eastern Michigan University that alleges the university turned a blind eye to reports of sexual assault. The lawsuit was filed in federal court and alleges that the school turned a blind eye or was indifferent to report of rape. The women said many of the assaults happened at two fraternities, Alpha Sigma Phi and Delta Tau Delta. Three of the men named in the lawsuit have been previously charged with sexually assaulting several women. READ: More victims come forward in Eastern Michigan University sexual assault investigationAccording to the lawsuit, EMU is currently investigating 30 “brutal rapes that occurred at Eastern Michigan University and in the surrounding area from 2015 through 2020.”AdThe lawsuit is available below:
FBI says woman could help ID victim in child sex abuse video
The FBI is asking the public to help them find a woman who may be able to provide information about the identity of a child sexual assault victim. The FBI believes she may be able to identify the victim. DETROIT – The FBI is asking the public to help them find a woman who may be able to provide information about the identity of a child sexual assault victim. She is shown with a child in a video that is believed to have been created in October 2019. You can also call 1-800-225-5324 to leave a tip with the FBI.
Ex-Menominee County deputy faces Dec. sentencing after plea deal in sex assault case
MENOMINEE, Mich. – A former sheriff’s deputy accused in the sexual assault of a teenage boy in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge. Brian W. Helfert of Menominee pleaded guilty in court Friday to attempted accosting for immoral purposes, which carries a penalty of up to two years. “I wish to plead guilty, your honor,” Helfert said in court, according to The EagleHerald in Marinette, Wisconsin. He also acknowledged “inappropriate” statements made to the teenage victim who he knew through his assignment as a Menominee County juvenile crime investigator and school resource officer. Helfert was fired from the Menominee County Sheriff’s Department in December 2019.
Deputy charged for allegedly sexually assaulting 3 women at Eastern Michigan University
YPSILANTI, Mich. – A Washtenaw County deputy has been charged with criminal sex conduct toward multiple women during his time as a student at Eastern Michigan University (EMU). Deangelo McWilliams, 24, is facing charges after allegedly sexually assaulting three separate women beginning when he was 20 years old. The man is accused of sexually assaulting two of the women on separate occasions at a fraternity house. Durbin was charged on Friday with nine counts of criminal sexual conduct stemming from the sexual assault of seven separate women, officials said. Officials say sexual assault complaints regarding Durbin date back to 2014, but were not investigated by EMU.
Traverse City man charged with criminal sexual conduct with a person under 13
LONG LAKE TOWNSHIP, Mich. A 57-year-old man is facing criminal sexual conduct charges after allegedly assaulting a minor in Long Lake Township. Ricky Alan Byard of Traverse City has been charged with three counts of criminal sexual conduct in the second degree with a person under 13 years old. At the time, Byard was dating someone in close connection with the victim, Michigan State Police say. The victim reportedly disclosed multiple incidents of sexual assault to a family member, who then contacted police. Byard is being held at the Grand Traverse County Jail on a $50,000 bond, police say.