Ex-Deputy Accused of Fondling Macomb County Jail Inmate

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI — A former Macomb County sheriff's deputy accused of groping a female inmate in the Macomb County Jail was arraigned in 41B District Court in Clinton Township Tuesday on a misdemeanor charge of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, a two-year high court misdemeanor.

Steven Robert Vaneenoo, 43, resigned the Macomb County Sheriff’s command officers began investigating the allegations made by two female inmates, according to a statement. He had worked for the sheriff's office for 19 years.

"One of the inmates confided in detectives that on a previous occasion, she had been allegedly fondled by a Correction's deputy," officials said. "An exhaustive investigation followed."

Detective said that during a Dec. 18, 2015, security check, Vaneenoo allegedly reached through the bars at the jail and fondled one of the female inmate's breasts. He's also accused of setting up a phone account so some female inmates could chat with him on his personal cellphone.

"As soon as we became aware of the allegations, we began an immediate and thorough investigation into Mr. Vaneenoo’s conduct while working in the jail," Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said in the statement. "With few exceptions, our employees come in and do a difficult job with little fan-fare and a high degree of trust. Vaneenoo’s conduct is a departure from the high-standards that our employees operate under day-in and day-out."

Vaneenoo's bond was set at $5,000. His next court date is Aug. 10.

Image: Macomb County Sheriff's Office