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Michigan Youth Referee Charged with Sex Crimes Against Minor

Last month in Lansing, youth sports official Gerald Allen Sutter was arraigned on charges of first and third-degree criminal sexual assault involving a minor male victim.

Michigan Youth Referee Charged with Sex Crimes Against Minor
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Last month in Lansing, youth sports official Gerald Allen Sutter was arraigned on charges of first and third degree criminal sexual assault involving a minor male victim. The victim was 16 years old at the time of the abuse, which occurred between 2019 and 2021 at Sutter’s home. Ingham County Sherrif was alerted of Sutter’s criminal conduct through a tip related to his involvement in youth sports, predominately, baseball and softball. This credible tip resulted in a search of Sutter’s home and ultimately, his arrest.

In a news release, Ingham County Sherrif’s Office indicated that Sutter likely has victimized many other young boys throughout his tenure as an official, and are urging those young men to come forward. Sutter worked in youth sports across Mid-Michigan for 50 years and officiated a variety of different athletic activities. Based on evidence recovered from Sutter’s home, they believe these wrongful acts have been occurring for decades. It is believed he used his position to groom his victims and gain the trust of their parents. A hotline number and email address have been set up by the Sherriff’s office for tips, information, or as a point of contact for any other youth athlete who was violated by Sutter.

If you are a victim-survivor of Gerald Allen Sutter and need to speak to an attorney please contact Grewal Law PLLC at 800-331-9871 or 517-393-3000.

Ayanna Neal

Ayanna Neal

Ayanna D. Neal joined Grewal Law PLLC as an attorney after dedicating fifteen years to representing the people of the state of Michigan in prosecution for Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office. 

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