A 61-year-old Illinois man is facing three counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct after Detroit police say he groped and photographed a minor during the postgame fireworks show following a Tigers game at Comerica Park. Samson Glen was arraigned in court on Sunday and released on a $100,000 personal bond.
According to ClickOnDetroit, the alleged assault happened after the Tigers game on August 28 while fireworks were going off at the downtown ballpark. Detroit police reported that the victim felt something rubbing against her buttock on three separate occasions before she noticed Glen was allegedly positioned behind her each time. She told investigators she eventually moved the object away with her hand.
Judge Cites Surveillance Video Showing Photos of the Victim
During Glen's arraignment, the judge said surveillance footage shows him taking photos of the victim, the outlet's report notes. The victim reportedly saw Glen move in front of her and snap a photo of himself, with her visible in the frame. Her brother also reportedly witnessed Glen photographing his sister during the incident.
Glen was arrested following the alleged assault and now faces three counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, a charge classified in Michigan as a misdemeanor. Despite that classification, the offense is treated as a high-court misdemeanor under Michigan Penal Code section MCL 750.520e, meaning it is processed with procedures similar to a felony case and carries a maximum penalty of up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $500, according to Joseph A. Simon, PLLC.
Conviction Would Trigger Mandatory Sex Offender Registration
A conviction on the charge would also carry consequences beyond potential prison time. Per Prain Law, PLLC, a conviction for fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct in Michigan requires mandatory registration as a sex offender under the state's Sex Offenders Registration Act, typically placing offenders in Tier I registration for 15 years.
The $100,000 personal bond granted to Glen allows him to remain out of custody without posting cash upfront, based on his promise to return for future court dates, though he remains financially liable for the full amount if he violates conditions or misses an appearance, according to the Barone Defense Firm. Michigan Court Rule 6.106 also allows courts to impose non-monetary conditions such as travel restrictions, electronic monitoring, or no-contact orders, though it remains unclear whether any such restrictions have been placed on Glen, who lives out of state in Illinois.
Case Heads to Zoom Hearing Next Week
Glen is expected to return to court via Zoom on September 8 for a probable cause conference. The proceeding, held in Detroit's 36th District Court, functions as an administrative hearing where prosecutors and defense attorneys typically discuss discovery materials, potential plea offers, or bond modifications ahead of a preliminary examination, per the court's own description of its criminal division.
The 36th District Court is the largest district court in Michigan and handles initial felony and misdemeanor appearances across Detroit, giving the case a routine procedural path even as it draws public attention. It remains unknown whether Wayne County prosecutors will introduce additional evidence, such as phone data or stadium surveillance footage, at the upcoming hearing.
The alleged incident occurred amid a packed atmosphere at Comerica Park, where postgame fireworks are a regular Friday night promotion held by the Detroit Tigers throughout the summer season, according to MLB.com. The downtown Detroit venue, located at 2100 Woodward Avenue, opened in April 2000 and seats more than 41,000 fans for games and events.
