Yesterday, a Chippewa County jury found 42-year-old Robert Leonard Ross guilty of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl after prosecutors said he supplied her with alcohol and she passed out at his home. The verdict came after a two-day trial in 50th Circuit Court in Sault Ste. Marie. Ross was convicted on both felony and misdemeanor counts, and sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
According to MLive, prosecutors told jurors that Ross provided alcohol to the teen at his residence. During the trial, they introduced text messages, scene photographs, medical records and body-camera video. The teen testified that after drinking she lost consciousness, then later woke up to find Ross sexually assaulting her, and afterward contacted her mother, the prosecutor's office said.
What the charges mean under state law
Ross was convicted of criminal sexual conduct in the third degree, which under Michigan law covers sexual penetration of a person who is "physically helpless" and is a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison, per the Michigan Legislature. He was also found guilty of furnishing alcohol to a minor and of criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree. Michigan's liquor code makes it unlawful to sell or furnish alcohol to people under 21 and lays out misdemeanor and aggravated penalties in certain circumstances, as detailed in MCL 436.1701.
What happened in court and what's next
The Chippewa County jury reached its decision after hearing from eight witnesses over two days at the 50th Circuit Court in Sault Ste. Marie. The county courthouse, which posts its location and hours online, hosted the proceedings. Sentencing will be set at a later date, according to MLive.
Resources for survivors
Local advocates often direct survivors and families to the Diane Peppler Resource Center for 24/7 crisis support, advocacy around sexual-assault exams and court accompaniment. The center maintains hotline numbers and outreach details on its website. People seeking immediate assistance in the Eastern Upper Peninsula can find contact information and local outreach-office addresses through the center's online listings.
