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LINCOLN PARK –– A 22-year-old Michael Jackson impersonator could face life in prison if convicted on 12 counts of sexual misconduct with a juvenile.
Ricardo West of Allen Park was arraigned Friday afternoon before 25th District Judge David Bajorek.
He is being held in the Wayne County Jail without bond pending a preliminary examination of the evidence against him. The exam is set for 9 a.m. April 26 back in 25th District Court.
West was arrested Wednesday in Allen Park. The case was not heard in 24th District Court because Judge John Courtright recused himself and Judge Richard Page was unavailable.
West is charged with one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, which carries a sentence of 25 years to life in prison upon conviction; three counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, a 15-year felony; four felony counts of use of a computer to solicit a crime; one count of child sexually abusive activity; and two counts of accosting children for immoral purposes.
Police said West confessed to sending sexually explicit and graphic e-mails and text messages, including nude pictures of male body parts, to a preteen boy. Also, during rehearsal of a stage production he was working on, he admitted to sexually assaulting the same boy in a bathroom.
"The evidence in this case will show that this defendant acted in a way that was deliberate, calculated and goal-directed in his criminal dealings with this child," Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a written statement.
West shaped his lifestyle to be constantly around children, according to authorities.
Police said he volunteers with a youth theater group and works for the contract-based bus service Trinity Transportation as a bus aide for autistic children.
In addition, he owns SGI Productions out of his home, which is hosting a “Motown’s Still Got It” talent competition. Police said he was using the competition to lure young people.
Allen Park police searched West’s house and seized computers, cell phones, CDs, videotapes and a camera. Officers are conducting forensic searches on each.
West also was arrested in 2008 by Southgate police for criminal sexual conduct, but could not be successfully prosecuted, according to authorities.
In August 2009, The News-Herald Newspapers featured West in a story previewing “Michael Lives! The Michael Jackson Tribute Concert,” in which West was impersonating the late Jackson at the Allen Park Civic Auditorium. Police said about 600 people attended.
Allen Park police Detective Jeff Miller said parents should check their children’s e-mail accounts and cell phones periodically.
“Parents can also put blockers on e-mail accounts so their children can’t receive graphic photos,” he said.
Police are concerned that there might be more victims in the area as West frequently was around children and has been investigated for similar activity in the past.
Any parents concerned that their children might have been victimized should call Miller at 1-313-386-3872.
http://www.thenewsherald.com/articles/2010/04/17/news/doc4bc8b2b9e49e1910151047.txt
Ricardo West of Allen Park was arraigned Friday afternoon before 25th District Judge David Bajorek.
He is being held in the Wayne County Jail without bond pending a preliminary examination of the evidence against him. The exam is set for 9 a.m. April 26 back in 25th District Court.
West was arrested Wednesday in Allen Park. The case was not heard in 24th District Court because Judge John Courtright recused himself and Judge Richard Page was unavailable.
West is charged with one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, which carries a sentence of 25 years to life in prison upon conviction; three counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, a 15-year felony; four felony counts of use of a computer to solicit a crime; one count of child sexually abusive activity; and two counts of accosting children for immoral purposes.
Police said West confessed to sending sexually explicit and graphic e-mails and text messages, including nude pictures of male body parts, to a preteen boy. Also, during rehearsal of a stage production he was working on, he admitted to sexually assaulting the same boy in a bathroom.
"The evidence in this case will show that this defendant acted in a way that was deliberate, calculated and goal-directed in his criminal dealings with this child," Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a written statement.
West shaped his lifestyle to be constantly around children, according to authorities.
Police said he volunteers with a youth theater group and works for the contract-based bus service Trinity Transportation as a bus aide for autistic children.
In addition, he owns SGI Productions out of his home, which is hosting a “Motown’s Still Got It” talent competition. Police said he was using the competition to lure young people.
Allen Park police searched West’s house and seized computers, cell phones, CDs, videotapes and a camera. Officers are conducting forensic searches on each.
West also was arrested in 2008 by Southgate police for criminal sexual conduct, but could not be successfully prosecuted, according to authorities.
In August 2009, The News-Herald Newspapers featured West in a story previewing “Michael Lives! The Michael Jackson Tribute Concert,” in which West was impersonating the late Jackson at the Allen Park Civic Auditorium. Police said about 600 people attended.
Allen Park police Detective Jeff Miller said parents should check their children’s e-mail accounts and cell phones periodically.
“Parents can also put blockers on e-mail accounts so their children can’t receive graphic photos,” he said.
Police are concerned that there might be more victims in the area as West frequently was around children and has been investigated for similar activity in the past.
Any parents concerned that their children might have been victimized should call Miller at 1-313-386-3872.
http://www.thenewsherald.com/articles/2010/04/17/news/doc4bc8b2b9e49e1910151047.txt
