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.