Crime & Safety
Multiple Felonies Filed in Sex with Minor Case
Canton police investigation resulted in arrest of Sterling Heights man who met victim on social media.
CANTON, MI – A 41-year-old Sterling Heights man will spend at least 25 years in prison if convicted of two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a minor in the 35th District Court jurisdiction, which includes Canton, Plymouth and Northville.
Joseph A. Apato, who was arraigned Friday after a Canton police investigation led to his arrest, allegedly met the victim, who is younger than 13, on a social media website, Hometownlife.com reports.
Apato also faces multiple other charges, including:
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- One count of child sexually abusive activity, a 20-year felony;
- One count of computer Internet use for communication with another to commit a crime, a 20-year felony;
- Two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a person under 13, a 15-year felony; and
- One count of accosting children for immoral purposes, a four-year felony.
The most serious of the charges — first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor — carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison.
Apato’s next court appearance is for his preliminary examination on Dec. 28 in 35th District Court in Plymouth. He remains in the Wayne County Jail on $500,000 bond.
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