By Amy Joles
(Contact / Staff Bio)
November 4, 2009 - 10:13 a.m. EST
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ELLINGTON TOWNSHIP — Authorities are asking anyone with information on possible sex crimes committed by a local man to come forward.
Prosecutors have already charged Russell H. Bills, 67, with 48 counts of criminal sexual conduct involving a girl that was between the ages of 11-15; however, they believe there could be more victims out there.
“It is one of the least-reported crimes,” said Tuscola County Prosecutor Mark Reene. “If it is not reported, we can’t proceed.”
Bills was arraigned on the 48 counts Monday. He is charged with 12 counts of first degree, 12 counts of second degree and 24 counts of third degree criminal sexual conduct. The degree is based on the age of the victim and the alleged act.
These particular incidents allegedly occurred when he lived in Cass City.
Bills’ current residence is a travel camper listed at 2311 Hurds Corner Rd., in Ellington Township.
Currently, he remains lodged in the Tuscola County Jail with a $50,000 cash/surety bond.
Reene said he could not comment on how the information came out, but stated that the alleged victim (now age 17) came forward within the last two weeks, prompting an investigation by the Michigan State Police.
“Coming forward now with any information whatsoever would be helpful,” Reene said.
Bills faces a pre-preliminary hearing on Monday at 1 p.m. in Tuscola County District Court. He will then face a preliminary exam on Nov. 16 at 1:30 p.m.
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November 5, 2009
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How about special police units funded to track and verify compliance of sex offenders when on probation and when placed on the sex offenders list? Never mind would probably have to cut into other important units like TNU. Need to prioritize and address the more serious issue of cannabis consumption and cultivation. I think we can all agree on this one.