Skip to Main
News

Cadillac Couple Accused Of Sexually Abusing Teenage Girl With Mental Disabilities

"It really is just tragic and it pulls at people’s heartstrings."

A Northern Michigan couple — accused of sexually abusing a teenage girl with mental disabilities and that’s not all.

Cadillac City Police arrested Shauna and Alton Graham on several different charges, including criminal sexual conduct and giving alcohol to a 17-year-old girl.

According to court documents, the crimes happened over the course of a month.

9&10’s Cody Boyer and photojournalist Jeff Blakeman have more on this disturbing case.

——————————————————–

Court documents show Alton and Shauna Graham are accused of sexual abuse against one teenager between February and March.

The prosecutor says both face similar, disturbing charges.

“In this particular case, there are two individuals charged with acts of criminal sexual conduct,” says Jason Elmore, Wexford County Prosecutor.

Accusations involving a 17-year-old girl with a mental disability…

The Wexford County Prosecutor says Alton Graham is accused of having sex with her.

Shauna Graham is accused of 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct and giving the teen alcohol.

“CSC in the third degree generally involves an act of sexual penetration and then there is normally some other type of special situation, such as it’s taking advantage of a person who is incapacitated, maybe it’s alcohol or drugs or maybe somebody who lacks mental capacity,” Elmore says.

“This becomes especially difficult for people to understand and comprehend how does this happen and why does this happen and this isn’t our world that we live in,” says Amber Herlein, Executive Director of the Oasis Family Resource Center in Cadillac.

Other details are limited right now.

But the fact that the victim has a mental condition makes this case even worse.

Amber Herlein works for the Oasis Family Resource Center.

“Those questions become even a bigger blur and bigger concern as they are trying to go through it because for someone who can ask questions, they can also potentially go through the process to get those questions answered,” Herlein says.

Both Alton and Shauna Graham will be back in court again next week.

“This young woman went through it and is still waking up every day and still eating and still living so she is a survivor," Herlein says.

Alton Graham could face up to life in prison for being a four-time habitual offender.

Shauna could face up to 2 years if convicted.

Local Trending News