Crime & Safety

Man Convicted in White Lake Sexual Assault

The following information was supplied by the White Lake Township Police Department. Arrests and charges do not indicate convictions.

A 26-year-old Commerce Township man was convicted of four counts of criminal sexual conduct after a three-day jury trial that began on July 5.

The man, whose name is being withheld to protect the identity of the victim, was convicted of two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct involving penetration and two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct involving sexual contact.

His victim, a 16-year-old White Lake resident, reported the incident, which occurred at a White Lake home, to police May 31, 2010.

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She was babysitting for the man's family at the time.

"She told her parents right after it happened, and they brought her to us," Lt. Don Nankervis said.

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Police collected evidence at the scene, including DNA evidence, and the girl was taken to the hospital for a medical exam to gather additional evidence.

Nankervis said the teen testified against the man during his trial.

"She was very brave and shared her story with the jury," Nankervis said.

After three days of testimony and deliberation, the jury found the man guilty on all counts.

He is being held in Oakland County Jail pending his sentencing July 29. According to Nankervis, the man faces up to 15 years in prison.

Patrons hurt at White Lake Inn

Police are investigating an incident at in which patrons were injured by fireworks shot from the lake.

According to Lt. Adam Kline, two males in their late 20s to early 30s drove a pontoon to White Lake Inn and fired mortar-type fireworks at the restaurant's deck.

Police were called, and a small number of patrons reported very minor burn injuries from sparks that flew off the fireworks and burned through clothing.

The incident, which happened at 2:10 a.m. Sunday, remains under investigation. Police are asking any witnesses to call 248-698-4400 to aid the investigation.

Cousins accused of taking items from cars

A pair of cousins, ages 18 and 19, were arrested at 6 a.m. Sunday after a homeowner witnessed the two going through vehicles on Leroy near Jackson Boulevard, according to police.

When officers arrived, they observed one of the men seated in a parked car, along with items matching the descriptions of stolen goods. The second man was walking to the car from the front yard of a nearby home, according to police.

Both men were apprehended and taken to Oakland County Jail, where they were released pending the issuance of a warrant. Kline said the two are cousins.

Police are still trying to identify the items found in the car. Several items have already been claimed and connected to at least four larcenies from vehicles in White Lake and Commerce Townships, police said.

For questions about this blotter, email brooke.meier@patch.com.


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