An Independence Township man was arrested and arraigned recently on five counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct involving a 9-year-old Indepenence Township girl.
Mark Owen Erickson, 44, was arraigned on Dec. 23 in 52-2 District Court after Oakland County Sheriff’s deputies arrested him on Dec. 22. His bond is set at $500,000 per count, or $2.5 million.
The charges stem from an investigation started Dec. 15 when the victim disclosed to her friend that Erickson had allegedly sexually assaulted her the night before while her mother was away at bingo. Erickson, the mother’s fiance, was living on Parview at the time of the arrest.
According to Sergeant Matt Baldes, the five counts come from incidents dating back to Jan. 1, 2005, with the most recent allegedly occurring on Dec. 14. Each of the five counts carries from one day to life in prison said Baldes.
Baldes said Erickson had no previous criminal history, but two computer towers and pornographic material were seized which could lead to further charges.
The preliminary exam is set for Jan. 3 at 1:30 p.m. in 52-2 District Court.