Man Charged After Groping Woman On Oakland County Trail: Police

AUBURN HILLS, MI — An Oakland County man is facing a criminal sex charge after police said he groped a woman on a trail last month.

The 20-year-old man was charged with fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. He was placed in jail with a bond set at $7,500.

If released from jail, he must wear a GPS tether upon release and is banned from the Clinton River Trail, which is where the incident happened, according to police.

If convicted, he faces a misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in jail, a fine up to $500 and mandatory sex offender registration. He is expected to return to court on July 31.

Police said the incident happened at roughly 4:15 p.m. on June 16 on the Clinton River Trail, east of Interstate 75 in Auburn Hills. A woman told officers that she was groped by a man while walking on the trail.

Officers immediately searched the area but were unable to locate anyone matching the suspect's description at that time, police said.

On July 9, police got another report from a woman who told them she encountered a suspicious man following her on the trail near Avondale High School. Police said the suspect's description closely matched the one provided in the June 16 incident.

Using surveillance video from the area, investigators were able to find the suspect’s vehicle at an apartment complex just south of the trail, police said.

Both victims positively identified the individual in a photographic lineup, police said.

"Thanks to reports from the victims, police were able to identify this defendant and make sure he won’t harass anyone else," said Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald. "We suspect these weren’t isolated incidents. If you think this person accosted you, contact your local police. Together, we can make our parks and trails safe for everyone."