Brandon Twp – Lapeer Prosecuting Attorney, Robert Schellig calls Randy Ray Cooper, of Brandon Township, a one man wrecking crew who “hopefully will not do too much damage while he’s free on bond.”
On Sept. 29, another delay kept Cooper from facing third-degree criminal sexual misconduct charges after Judge John Connolly, of the 71st Lapeer District Court, refrained from ruling on whether Cooper will stand trial.
“The judge called for briefs to decide whether the ‘touching’ constitutes misconduct,” Schellig said.
The charges Cooper is facing could carry a possible sentence of 15 years for allegedly having inappropriate sexual contact with a child in May 2003, according Lapeer County records.
Although Connolly’s call to refrain from a decision returned Cooper back into the community, he was immediately arrested while leaving the courtroom, on a separate charge of attempted rape. “There was enough evidence on that one to arrest him right away,” said Schellig.
“I got a warrant yesterday morning and he was arrested right from the courtroom.”
“He’s out on bond as we speak, however, hopefully he won’t cause any more damage while he’s out there.”
However, Cooper was released on personal bond by Magistrate Gregory Wise, after being accused of attempted rape and forcefully holding down a 21-year old woman at a 2003 New Year’s Eve party, in Elba Township, Lapeer County.
“In the meanwhile,” Schellig said “state troopers are investigating two more (reports of abuse).”
“We are currently investigating five different calls.”
After first reporting the original allegations of abuse against the child, in August 2003, both the Lapeer State Police Department and the prosecuting attorney’s office have been contacted by several women claiming abuse from Cooper as far back as the mid-70s.
“Since your paper printed the first article, my office and the state police have been deluged with calls,” said Schellig,
A case alleging abuse from Cooper in Oakland County is closed and dormant after prosecutors could not find enough evidence against him, but Schellig said he is hoping prosecutors may take another look at the case as a result of the cases in Lapeer County.
State Trooper Stacey Moore said she is taking calls from anyone with information pertaining Cooper’s alleged abuse in Lapeer or the Oakland County case.
Judge Connolly is expected to make a decision on whether Cooper will stand trial on the first allegations within the next 30 days.
Contact Trooper Moore at (810) 664-2905.