Bond Denied for Sawmill Branch Sexual Assault Suspect

Parents of the 17-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted last week at Sawmill Branch Canal Trail pleaded with a municipal judge Tuesday morning to deny bond for the suspect in the case.

Bond was denied by Judge Anthony Lemon.

Michael Glen Evans, 20, of Summerville appeared in the courtroom via television. The victim and her family members were in the room. 

Evans was arrested Monday and is charged with criminal sexual conduct 1st degree, kidnapping and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. The criminal sexual conduct charge and kidnapping charge carry a possible sentence of up to 30 years in jail each. The possession of a weapon during a violent crime charge carries a possible sentence of up to 5 years in jail.

Bond denial was brief, but the judge allowed the victim's parents to speak. Their pleas were emotionally charged. The victim's mother talked about the suffering her daughter had experienced since the incident.

"This man was so brazen; he hunted in a place our community allows children to play," she said. "If this terrorist is released, she will be victimized daily."

Evans can appeal the bond denial because it was through a municipal court. If he does, he will have to appear in a Circuit Court.  

Summerville Police Public Information Officer Capt. Jon Rogers said the public aided in Evans' arrest.

"We got a lot of info over the weekend," Rogers said. 

Rogers said there will not be increased patrols at the Sawmill Branch Canal Trail in response to the incident.

"It's patrolled all the time," Rogers said. 

The investigation into the Jan. 9 incident continues.

"Just because we an arrest is made doesn't mean the case is closed. The case is still under investigation," Rogers said. 

Evans lives near the Sawmill Branch Canal Trail.