Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Member Found Guilty of Abusive Sexual Contact

February 16, 2010 - GRAND RAPIDS, MI—Steven Ray Anderson, 44, of Peshawbestown, Michigan, was found guilty of Abusive Sexual Contact Without Permission and Attempted Aggravated Sexual Abuse following a three-day jury trial presided over by U.S. District Court Judge Janet T. Neff, U.S. Attorney Donald A. Davis announced today.

Anderson lived on the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indian Reservation at the home of his girlfriend, located in Peshawbestown, Michigan. According to testimony and exhibits, Anderson engaged in abusive sexual contact without permission against a female victim while at her home located on the GTB reservation. In addition, Anderson attempted an aggravated sexual abuse of another female victim at the Tribe’s Medicine Lodge, which is also located on the reservation. The jury acquitted Anderson of an abusive sexual contact charge involving the second victim.

Sentencing will be within the next 90 days before U.S. District Court Judge Neff, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Anderson faces up to life imprisonment, lifetime supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, mandatory restitution to the victim and registration as a Sexual Offender.

U.S. Attorney Davis commended the Grand Traverse Band Tribal Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their investigative work on the case. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy P. Verhey and Jeff J. Davis.