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Newaygo Man Molested Two Boys For 11 Years, Investigators Say

Posted at 4:57 PM, Apr 03, 2013
and last updated 2013-04-03 19:20:51-04

MECOSTA COUNTY, Mich. — 15 years after investigators say a Newaygo man ended more than a decade of sexually abusing two young boys in Mecosta County, he’s finally facing charges.

Jeffrey Sedine, 52, faces seven counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Michigan State Police started investigating Sedine in a separate CSC case in December 2012. During the investigation, they discovered complaints of similar acts from two young boys occurring in Big Rapids and Deerfield and Mecosta Townships during the 1980’s and 1990s.

“These complaints were brought forth to law enforcement’s attention many years ago and the police were just never able to put together a case,” Mecosta County Prosecutor Peter Jaklevic says.

“(Investigators) kind of put two and two together and were able to re-investigate an old case and come up with enough evidence for me to feel that there was enough to move forward.”

The felony complaint obtained by FOX 17 says the abuse happened between 1987 and 1998. Four of the seven counts involve the first victim, listed as John Doe #1. The other three involve the second victim, listed as John Doe #2. Both were under the age of 13 at the time of the abuse.

Sedine is accused of engaging in both oral and anal sex with both victims, among other acts.

If it weren’t for a fairly recent change in state legislation, Jaklevic says, time would have already ran out on justice.

“It used to be a case like this, the statute of limitations would expire and even if we had proof beyond any doubt, we wouldn’t be able to pursue a case like this,” he says.

“It would have expired, but the legislature fortunately changed the statute and extended it for life. What this is is a recognition by our legislature of the seriousness of child molestation cases and how just because time has expired doesn’t mean we can’t seek justice.”

“Unfortunately, justice – in this case – perhaps has been a bit delayed, but we’re hoping that it won’t be denied.”

Sedine is being held on no bond. He’s back in court on April 16.