Man convicted in Macomb Co. criminal sexual conduct case

A Macomb County jury convicted a 66-year-old man this week in criminal sexual conduct cases involving two children.

The jury on Monday found Dennis Peterson Sr. guilty on multiple felony charges, according to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.

Assistant Prosecutor Stephanie Stager tried Peterson on two cases, each with one victim, combined into one trial at the Macomb County Circuit Court, officials said in a statement.

The assaults for each case happened from 2010-16 and from 2012-16 in Chesterfield Township, the prosecutor's office confirmed.

In the first case, Peterson was convicted on three counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim under 13 years old, a crime that involves sexual penetration.

He was also convicted on one charge of second degree criminal sexual conduct, a crime involving sexual contact.

In the second case, the jury found Peters guilty of three charges of first degree criminal sexual conduct. Two of the three charges state the defendant is related to the victim, who was younger than 13.

Peterson now faces a sentence of at least 25 years in prison. His sentencing hearing will be April 29.

“We are gratified by the jury's unwavering commitment to justice in finding the defendant guilty on all counts in this criminal sexual conduct case," Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said in a release. "Their verdict sends a resounding message that such acts will not be tolerated in our society."

Peterson's lawyer, Nicole Blank-Becker, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.