Garant (Hazel Park police photo)
A Sterling Heights man is accused of sexually assaulting a child while visiting a relative’s house in Hazel Park.
Suspect Craig Anthony Garant, 56, was arraigned Wednesday in Hazel Park 43rd District Court on a count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a child under 13.
A cash bond was set at $50,000, which the suspect posted through a surety company.
Garant is already a registered sex offender.
Oakland County Circuit Court records show he was convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct in 1998.
Hazel Park police said they started their investigation in early May.
“The sexual assaults started in 2021 and stopped in the beginning of 2022,” said Hazel Park Police Chief Brian Buchholz. “The suspect made five or six visits to the house in Hazel Park during that period.
He added that the child was 9 years old at the time.
Police said they first got an anonymous call about the allegations. During the course of their investigation, police said they got further information through Oakland County Child Protective Services.
Children’s Protective Services and law enforcement agencies direct all cases of child sexual abuse in the county to CARE House, according to the facility’s website
Children, in a safe and comfortable environment, take part in a forensic interview, which is done by CARE House’s trained staff and is witnessed by a law enforcement officer, prosecutor and an assigned Children’s Protective Services worker.
County prosecutors subsequently issued a warrant charging Garant.
“Through Child Protective Services and a detective, a safety plan was put together to make sure the suspect wouldn’t have any contact with the victim while we did our investigation,” Buchholz said.
Garant has retained an attorney and turned himself into police for booking before his arraignment Wednesday.
Under the conditions of his bond, he is required to wear a GPS electronic tether. He is being supervised through the court’s Pretrial Services and is prohibited from having any contact with the victim or visiting any schools in Hazel Park, Royal Oak and Sterling Heights.
Garant is also prohibited from having any contact with anyone 17 years old or younger.
He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of the current charge against him.
Garant is set to appear in Hazel Park District Court for a probable cause conference at 1:20 p.m. June 20.
Gadgets: These potential Father’s Day gifts won’t disappoint
The 10 most underrated destinations around the world
The Cure turns gloom to glee at Pine Knob
Enough steam: Fire meets Water in Pixar’s clever and increasingly charming ‘Elemental’
FBI seeks tips on Royal Oak photographer in child porn case
