Traverse City News and Events

Additional Charges Filed Against Bailey

Aug. 21, 2015

Former Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Tribal Councilor Derek Bailey - who is awaiting trial on five charges of criminal sexual conduct involving two alleged underage victims in Leelanau County - will now face additional charges in Grand Traverse County. On Thursday, Grand Traverse County Prosecuting Attorney Bob Cooney charged Bailey with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct stemming from allegations Bailey engaged in sexual activities with a person under the age of 13 on two occasions.

"There were some facts we wanted to shore up...and we wanted to take a wait-and-see approach first in Leelanau County" before pressing charges in Grand Traverse County, Cooney explains of the timing. "We feel at this time it's appropriate to file these charges for acts that specifically occured in Grand Traverse County."

Bailey is also being charged with being a sexually delinquent person in Grand Traverse County. Michigan law defines such an individual as one whose "sexual behavior is characterized by repetitve or compulsive acts which indicate a disregard of consequences or the recognized rights of others." It can also be applied to those who use force in attempting sexual relations, or those who commit sexual aggression against children under the age of 16.

The Grand Traverse County charges carry a maximum penalty of up to life in prison. Bailey also faces three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct - which carry a minimum mandatory sentence of 25 years in prison - and two second-degree counts of criminal sexual conduct - which carry up to 15 years of prison - in Leelanau County.

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