Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Member Sentenced to 15 Years for Two Federal Sex Crimes

GRAND RAPIDS, MI—Steven Ray Anderson, 44, of Peshawbestown, Michigan, was sentenced to 180 months (15 years) in prison today following his earlier conviction for two federal sex crimes. On February 11, 2010 Anderson was convicted following a jury trial of abusive sexual contact without permission and attempted aggravated sexual abuse.

Anderson lived on the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indian Reservation at the home of his girlfriend, located in Peshawbestown, Michigan. According to testimony and exhibits, Anderson was accused of engaging in abusive sexual contact without permission against a female victim while at her home located on the GTB reservation. In addition, Anderson was accused of abusive sexual contact without permission, and attempted aggravated sexual abuse of another female victim at the Tribe’s Medicine Lodge, which is also located on the reservation. Anderson was acquitted of the sexual contact without permission involving the second victim.

The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Neff, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She imposed the 15-year sentence after finding that the defendant presented a danger to the community in general and women in particular. Anderson was remanded to the custody of the US Marshal delivery to the federal Bureau of Prisons. Following release from prison, Anderson will be required to register as a sex offender.

U.S. Attorney Davis commended the Grand Traverse Band Tribal Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their investigative work on the case. Prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy P. VerHey and Jeff J. Davis.