HILLSDALE — A Hillsdale man is seeking relief from Michigan’s Supreme Court in his efforts to dismiss a case involving three counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct.
Eddie Wayne Willis, aged 70, was taken into custody on May 6, 2022, by the Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office on charges of engaging in sexual activities with an underage Amish girl. The charges stemmed from an investigation.
The girl, whose identity remains undisclosed due to the sensitive nature of the accusations, testified during a preliminary examination hearing in the fall of 2022 that Willis, her neighbor, hired her for odd jobs around his residence when she was 15 years old.
While carrying out these tasks, the girl accused Willis of inappropriately touching her and making persistent advances of a sexual nature.
Following a preliminary examination hearing, Willis’ case was referred to the 1st Judicial Circuit Court. Willis, represented by his legal counsel, then filed a motion to terminate the proceedings, arguing that there was insufficient evidence demonstrating the girl was coerced or forced into the alleged sexual acts.
Judge Sara S. Lisznyai denied Willis’ motion and later allowed him to appeal her decision to the Michigan Court of Appeals, which ultimately affirmed that “the totality of the circumstances established probable cause” that the assaults occurred.
According to court records, the alleged sexual abuse persisted for two years and on multiple occasions, creating a coercive environment for the victim, as confirmed by the Court of Appeals.
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Willis is now seeking recourse from Michigan’s Supreme Court; however, the timeline for a response from the court remains uncertain. It is possible that the high court may decline to review the appeal, thereby affirming the ruling of the appeals court.
If the Michigan Supreme Court reverses the decision of the appeals court, the case will be remanded to Hillsdale County’s 1st Judicial Circuit Court for trial.
Willis is tentatively scheduled for a continued criminal pretrial conference on March 4, 2024, before Lisznyai. He could face a maximum prison sentence of 15 years if found guilty of the charges.
— Contact Reporter Corey Murray at [email protected] or follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @cmurrayHDN.
This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Pittsford man hopeful Supreme Court will halt CSC case
