A Chippewa County jury has returned guilty verdicts against Robert Leonard Ross, age 42, following a two-day jury trial held in 50th Circuit Court in Sault Ste. Marie.
After deliberation, the jury found Ross guilty of:
• Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Third Degree – Sexual Penetration with a Person Who was Physically Helpless, a felony punishable by up to 15 years;
• Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Fourth Degree– Sexual Contact with a Person Who was Physically Helpless, a high court misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in jail; and
• Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor, a misdemeanor offense.
The convictions stem from an incident in which Ross provided alcoholic liquor to a 16-year-old victim before sexually assaulting her after she became unconscious due to her level of intoxication.
Evidence presented at trial established that Ross purchased alcohol for the victim and consumed it with her at his residence. The victim testified that she lost consciousness after drinking and later awoke to Ross sexually assaulting her.
The victim immediately contacted her mother following the incident, and law enforcement was contacted shortly thereafter.
During the investigation, law enforcement recovered physical evidence that corroborated the victim’s account, including alcohol containers and items described by the victim. The victim also underwent a sexual assault examination following the incident.
Following the guilty verdicts, the Court ordered Ross remanded to the custody of the Chippewa County Sheriff pending sentencing.
This case was presented to the jury by Chief Assistant Prosecutor Kristin M. Giommi, who was assisted by Deputy Garrett Ivonen and Detective Jeffrey Erickson of the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office.
The Jury heard from 8 witnesses and were presented with various evidence including text messages, scene photographs, medical records, and bodycam video before ultimately deliberating and reaching their verdict.
“This verdict reflects the jury’s careful consideration of the evidence presented at trial,” Chippewa County Prosecutor Robert L. Stratton said. “We are grateful to the jurors for their service, to law enforcement for their thorough investigation, and to the medical professionals who assisted in this case.”
Sentencing will be scheduled for a later date in Chippewa County’s 50th Circuit Court.
Comments