Bailey Found Guilty

Former Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Tribal Councilor Derek Bailey was found guilty of two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) by a jury in Grand Traverse County Thursday.

The verdict came after a little more than two hours of deliberation by the jury following a three-day trial. Jurors found Bailey guilty of sexually abusing an underage girl, now 15, in a Traverse City residence on two separate occasions in 2012. The jury found Bailey not guilty on a third CSC count in the case.

Following the hearing, defense attorney Dena Horvath told The Ticker "we don't know at this time" whether they would appeal the verdict. "We are extremely disappointed," she said. "We believe in Derek's innocence." Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Noelle Moeggenberg was not available for comment.

Bailey was found guilty by a Leelanau County jury in November on two second-degree criminal sexual conduct charges related to a second underage female victim. The Leelanau County charges are punishable by up to 15 years in prison. In Grand Traverse County,  the charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years up to life in prison.

Judge Philip Rodgers told Bailey he would consolidate sentencing for both cases into one hearing. The sentencing is scheduled for May 2 in 13th Circuit Court in Leelanau County.