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A man from the L’Anse Indian Reservation has been indicted on federal sexual abuse and aggravated sexual assault charges in the United States District Court of Western Michigan.
Yesterday the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten announced a federal jury has indicted 56-year-old Michael Dowd with one count of sexual abuse and one count of aggravated sexual assault. Each count carries a lifetime sentence.
According to the indictment between April 8th and 9th Michael Dowd engaged in a sexual act without the consent of the victim. Dowd used his body to hold the victim down before using his hand to assault the victim’s genitals, while the victim was physically incapable or declining participation in said act. The incident was investigated by the Keweenaw Bay Tribal Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Totten says that his office will prepare to make the government’s case in court and strongly encourages anyone with more information to contact the US district court’s Marquette office.
FBI Special Agent Cheyvoryea Gibson commends the victims for her bravery to come forward. Adding that the federal and local law enforcement partners are committed to public safety and investigating violence against Native American communities.
Anyone with information about Michael Phillip Dowd 56 years old of the L’Anse Indian Reservation should contact the U.S. District Court of Western Michigan’s Marquette Office at 906 226 2500.
