Ex-Detroit Cop Convicted of Criminal Sexual Conduct

CSC conviction

Do you know what third-degree criminal sexual conduct is?

When someone is charged with criminal sexual conduct, usually the charge is enough to convict that person in the eyes of the public. We have seen this countless times. Consider the case of the Grand Rapids firefighter, Lt. Lee Finlayson, who was charged with raping an old girlfriend. He was later cleared of all charges, but not before the damage was already done. The damage of the charge for Lt. Lee Finlayson has been described as “an indelible mark on his reputation”.

Unfortunately, for an ex-Detroit cop, that wasn’t the case. Geoffrey Townsend, 46, of Farmington Hills, Michigan was charged and convicted on 6 counts of 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct. He has been convicted and sentenced to 10-15 years in prison for the sexual assaults that took place between October 2010 and August 2012.

A Nonprofit Website Lured His Victims

According to the Detroit News, Townsend used a nonprofit website to lure his victims to his Farmington Hills home. His website, Reality Check Detroit, promised a boot camp for troubled teens. The website boasted his career as a Detroit police officer would aid in giving the teens a needed wake up call. At least one of the victims was under the age of 14.

What 3rd Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct Means

When someone is convicted of 3rd degree of criminal sexual conduct, this means there has been penetration and the victim is anywhere between the ages of 13-15 years of age. Penetration is defined well by the University of Michigan as “sexual intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, anal intercourse, any other intrusion of a body part or an object into genital or anal openings.”

CSC Cases Need To Handled With The Utmost Care

If you or someone you love is charged with criminal sexual conduct no matter the degree, the case needs to be handled with the utmost care. The important thing to remember about any criminal sexual conduct case is that the defendant is innocent until proven guilty. It is essential that the accused is defended by an experienced criminal defense attorney. If you have any questions about criminal sexual conduct, please give our office a call at: 248-348-7400 or 586-530-1000.