Crime & Safety

Plymouth Township Teen to Testify in Case of Man Charged with Sex Crimes

Robert Louis Messer's preliminary examination continues Tuesday at 35th District Court.

The preliminary examination of Robert Louis Messer, 37, a Northville man who faces charges of multiple sex crimes after disappearing with a Plymouth Township teenager, will continue 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at 35th District Court.

The teen will testify and is expected to be the only other witness. The teen's mother testified on the first day of the preliminary exam Nov. 8. See video of her testimony.

However, Judge Michael Gerou said in an official statement last week that there will be no film or electronic media coverage in the courtroom during the teen's testimony. That includes no video, still camera, or audio recording. While the case is pending, the media is also not to take photos of the teen or disclose her name, address, or other personal information.

Messer, who has known the family for about 10 years, faces one count of Criminal Sexual Conduct First Degree, three counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct Third Degree and one count of Accosting a Minor for Immoral Purposes.

A preliminary examination is meant to establish whether there is probable cause to believe that a felony was committed and that the defendant committed it. If probable cause is established, the case is bound over to the circuit court for further proceedings.


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