Hey folks, I’ve got some news for you! There’s been a change in the trial date for a businessman accused of a decades-old rape at a golf course in Oakland Township. Originally scheduled for September, the trial for Kurt Rillema, a 52-year-old from West Bloomfield, has been rescheduled to June 2024. That’s quite a delay, huh?
But wait, there’s more! One of Rillema’s attorneys, Deanna Kelley, actually asked to be dismissed from the case. She claimed that Rillema hasn’t been holding up his end of the bargain and hasn’t been paying her for her services. Yikes! The judge granted her request, so now Rillema is left with only one defense attorney, Ellen Michaels.
Now, let’s talk about the charges. Rillema is facing some serious allegations here. He’s been charged with first-degree and second-degree criminal sexual conduct for an incident that allegedly took place at Twin Lakes Golf Club back in 1999. The victim, who was just 22 years old at the time, worked at a food stand on the golf course. It’s a horrifying situation, and I can’t even imagine what she went through.
The arrest happened on April 17 after DNA evidence supposedly linked Rillema to the crime. According to Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, Rillema has been behind bars ever since and has been denied bond. If convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, he could face life in prison. Second-degree criminal sexual conduct carries a maximum sentence of 15 years.
But here’s where it gets even more shocking. DNA evidence also connects Rillema to another alleged sexual assault that occurred in 2000 at the Penn State University golf course. Can you believe it? Investigators say that the DNA collected from both cases matched in 2004, but it wasn’t until 2021 that advances in genetic genealogy testing narrowed down the suspect list to three people, including Rillema and his two brothers. Talk about a breakthrough!
During their investigation, the police discovered that Rillema was visiting his younger brother at the university when the rape took place. So, it looks like he might be facing charges in another state as well. It’s unclear when he will be extradited, but it’s definitely something to keep an eye on.
Well, that’s the latest update on this case. It’s a serious matter, and justice needs to be served. Let’s hope that the trial in June 2024 brings some closure to the victims and their families. Stay tuned for more updates!