Ludington man arrested for sexual assault against children.

Lopez

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief. 

LUDINGTON — A 59-year-old Ludington man was arrested March 1, 2016 by Ludington Police Department in connection to the sexual assault of two Ludington children. Arturo Ruiz Lopez, of 605 S. Washington Ave., was arraigned earlier this week in 79th District Court and charged with two felony counts of criminal sexual conduct (CSC). 

The charges stem from an investigation that began in Cicero, Illinois. Ludington Police Chief Mark Barnett said LPD was contacted on Feb. 17 by a detective from the Cicero Police Department regarding the possible assault of one or more victims in the City of Ludington.

“Det. Aaron Sailor began a local investigation, aided by Officer Tony Kuster,” Barnett said. “The investigators were able to locate and interview victims and witnesses, as well as the suspect.  Based on information uncovered during the investigation the Mason County Prosecutor’s Office authorized two multi-count warrants for the suspect, which were sworn to before the 79th District Court.”

Two arrest warrants were issued against Lopez. The first warrant included two counts of criminal sexual conduct third degree (sexual assault of a person aged 13 to 15), a felony punishable by a maximum of 15 years in prison. Bail was set at $75,000 cash/surety and the suspect must relinquish his passport prior to posting.

CSC third degree includes what is commonly called “statutory rape” – sex with a person who is younger than the age of consent, as well as the traditional definition of “Rape” – non-consensual sex by “force or coercion.”

The second warrant was for two counts of CSC first degree, a felony punishable by up to life in prison. The charge stems with allegations of sexual penetration with a person under 13-years-old.

Bail was set at $250,000 cash/surety.

A probable cause hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday, March 16 at 1:15 p.m.