A Harrison Township man is facing 20 felony charges that accuse him of sexually abusing children and possessing child sex abuse material, according to court filings. Robert Fitz Sr., 48, pleaded not guilty at his arraignment yesterday in Mount Clemens and is being held on a $500,000 bond while the case moves through district court.
Online court records and local reporting indicate Fitz was arraigned on 10 counts of using computers to commit a crime, five counts of aggravated child sexually abusive activity, and five counts of aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material. The alleged conduct dates to August 2023, as reported by The Detroit News. Court records do not list an attorney for Fitz and show he entered a not guilty plea at arraignment.
Where the case will move next
The 41-B District Court, which handles matters for Clinton Township, Harrison Township, and Mount Clemens, maintains an online case search portal for calendars and filings. 41-B District Court provides procedural information for local hearings, and county jail records place the defendant at the Macomb County Jail in Mount Clemens while the case proceeds. The Macomb County Sheriff's Office is the county authority that operates the jail where recent arrestees are held.
What prosecutors say
According to The Detroit News, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said Fitz is being charged as a second-notice habitual offender and that the 20 counts together are punishable by up to 325 years in prison. The outlet reports Magistrate Ryan Zemke set bond at $500,000 and that a preliminary hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. next Monday, with online jail records showing the bail had not been posted as of yesterday.
Legal implications
Prosecutors' use of a habitual offender notice is designed to raise sentencing ceilings for repeat felony offenders under Michigan law. The state's court benchbook explains that MCL 769.10 through 769.12 govern enhanced penalties for second and subsequent offenders, and Michigan Courts provide guidance on how those statutes can affect potential sentences. Fitz remains presumed innocent, and the charges are allegations that must be proven in court.
The preliminary hearing will determine whether prosecutors present enough evidence for the case to be bound over for trial. Court calendars at 41-B District Court will show any changes to the schedule as the case moves forward.
