HIV-positive felon who volunteered for Dem Flint mayor to be released on bond amid child sexual assault allegations
A Flint Man Charged with Sexual Assault of a Teenage Boy Will Be Released on Bond
A man from Flint, Michigan, who had previously served time in prison for engaging in sexual activity without disclosing his HIV status to his partners, will be released on bond less than a year after being charged with crimes related to the alleged sexual assault of a teenage boy.
John Cole, 55, who had volunteered on the campaign of Flint Democratic Mayor Sheldon Neeley, was charged last May with multiple counts, including child sexually abusive activity and accosting a child for immoral purposes. On Monday, Genesee County Circuit Court Judge Celeste D. Bell granted Cole a personal recognizance bond, as requested by his defense attorney.
The judge’s decision means that Cole will be released from jail while awaiting trial without having to pay bail, despite being held on a $75,000 cash/surety bond. However, the judge has imposed certain conditions, including house arrest and wearing a tether. Last October, Cole was ordered to stand trial and bound to circuit court.
Cole’s arrest and charges came after the mother of a 15-year-old boy reported to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office that she believed her son had been sexually assaulted. According to testimony at Cole’s preliminary examination, Sheriff Chris Swanson accused Cole of using manipulative tactics to befriend the minor at a community event in December 2022, before allegedly sexually assaulting him later on.
In February of the following year, Cole allegedly took the 15-year-old boy to watch a basketball game but diverted to a business in Flint, where he aggressively sexually assaulted the victim. He allegedly assaulted the boy again at a bowling alley a month later.
The investigation by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office revealed evidence suggesting that there may be additional victims targeted by Cole, but no further charges have been filed in the case. Cole, who used aliases, had previously served seven years in prison for not disclosing his HIV status to sexual partners, according to Sheriff Swanson.
Cole had been a strong supporter of Mayor Neeley and had volunteered for his campaign in the past. However, Neeley’s office clarified that Cole was never employed by the city or the campaign and was simply known as a community member who occasionally volunteered.
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Neeley’s office emphasized that political opponents may try to exaggerate Cole’s association with the mayor, but in reality, he was only an incidental acquaintance. The focus remains on supporting the victims and raising awareness about protecting the most vulnerable members of the community from such abuses.
What measures can be taken to ensure the safety of the community while allowing the accused a fair and thorough legal process
Ontinue house arrest until his trial, which is scheduled to begin in June.
This case has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the safety of the community, especially considering Cole’s past record. In 2012, he was convicted of four counts of engaging in sexual activity without disclosing his HIV-positive status to his partners. He was sentenced to prison, but was released in 2017 on parole.
Now, just a few years after his release, Cole finds himself facing serious charges once again. According to prosecutors, he allegedly engaged in sexual activity with a teenage boy, who was a family acquaintance. The alleged incidents took place over the span of several months, and the boy was reportedly too afraid to come forward until recently.
While everyone is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, the decision to release Cole on bond has raised concerns among members of the community and advocacy groups. They argue that his past behavior, coupled with the severity of the current charges, indicate a potential danger to the community if he is released. They fear that his release could potentially place others, especially vulnerable individuals, at risk of harm.
On the other hand, Cole’s defense attorney argued that he should be granted bond due to his age, health conditions, and lack of prior convictions involving minors. The defense also highlighted that Cole has been compliant with his house arrest conditions since last year.
It is crucial for the justice system to strike a balance between protecting the rights of the accused and protecting the safety of the community. In cases like these, where there is a history of similar offenses, it is important to thoroughly assess the potential risk posed by the accused if they were to be released on bond.
Prosecutors have expressed their disappointment with the judge’s decision, stating that they believe Cole should remain in custody until his trial. The defense, on the other hand, argues that Cole has not violated any conditions of his previous bond and should be given the opportunity to await trial outside of jail.
As this case moves forward, it is crucial for the justice system to consider all relevant factors and ensure the safety of the community. The alleged victims deserve justice, and it is essential to provide them with a fair and thorough legal process.
In the meantime, members of the community are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or concerning behavior to the appropriate authorities. It is crucial to support and protect vulnerable individuals, especially minors, from potential harm.
Ultimately, the outcome of this case will have significant implications, not only for the accused and the alleged victims, but also for the overall safety and well-being of the Flint community. It is imperative for the justice system to carefully consider all evidence presented and make a fair and informed decision that upholds both justice and community safety.
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