Man from the L’Anse Indian Reservation charged in federal court with sexual abuse and sexual assault

A man from the L’Anse Indian Reservation has been charged in U.S. District Court for Western Michigan with sexual abuse and aggravated sexual assault under federal law.

Yesterday, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten announced that a federal grand jury has indicted 56-year-old Michael Dowd on one count of sexual abuse and one count of aggravated sexual assault, both of which carry a life sentence.

According to the indictment, between April 8 and April 9, Michael Dowd engaged in sexual activity without the victim’s consent. Dowd restrained the victim with his body and then used his hand to touch the victim’s genitals, even though the victim was physically unable or refused to participate in the activity. The incident was investigated by the Keweenaw Bay Tribal Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Totten says his office will prepare to present the government’s arguments in court and urges anyone with additional information to contact the U.S. District Court’s Marquette office.

FBI Special Agent Cheyvoryea Gibson commends the victims for their courage in coming forward, adding that federal and local partners are committed to public safety and investigating violence against Native American communities.

Anyone with information regarding Michael Phillip Dowd, 56, of the L’Anse Indian Reservation, should contact the Marquette office of the U.S. District Court for Western Michigan at 906-226-2500.