Man Tried Fleeing Country After Sexually Assaulting Child In Shelby Township: Police

SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MI — A man is facing charges in connection with sexually assaulting his daughter, who is a minor, in Shelby Township, according to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.

Joel Quintana-Dominguez, 32, whom police said was previously deported and in the U.S. illegally, was charged with three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, each charge carries a life felony.

He was placed in jail with a $500,000 bond. His next court date is scheduled for Thursday. He pleaded not guilty, according to court records.

"Thanks to the swift and decisive action of the Shelby Township Police Department for apprehending this defendant before he could evade justice," Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said in a statement. "We extend our deepest gratitude to the police for their dedication and commitment to protecting our community and ensuring that justice will be served."

Officials began investigating Quintana-Dominguez on July 15 and determined he sexually assaulted the youth on multiple occasions in Shelby Township, according to police.

Investigators believe Quintana-Dominguez was preparing to leave the country after learning police were looking for him in connection with the sexual assaults, according to police.

Officers later arrested Quintana-Dominguez in connection with the assaults at a Macomb County mobile home park, according to police.

No other details about the arrest were released.

Investigators later learned that Quintana-Dominguez entered the country illegally and had previously been deported.

"I am disgusted and sickened after hearing the details of this case on what Quintana-Dominguez is being charged with," Shelby Township Police Chief Robert Shelide said in a statement. "I am also appalled to hear that he had been deported in the past and was able to find his way back into the United States. These types of actions from illegal aliens are harming the country."