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Bradford
BERKLEY — A 24-year-old Berkley man was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor.
The Berkley Public Safety Department arrested Darren Bradford on Feb. 21 after he was accused of sexually assaulting a minor over the course of a few months.
According to Berkley police, they received a tip on Feb. 5 that a number of teens were seen entering an apartment complex in the city. Witnesses reportedly told police that the minors frequently visit the building.
Detective Lt. Andrew Hadfield, of the Berkley Public Safety Department, stated that, through an undercover investigation, officers found that Bradford allegedly distributed illegal substances and alcohol to the minors.
“The investigation (showed) that there were several minors that were going to the home and were obtaining either nicotine or marijuana vape products,” Hadfield said. “During that investigation, one of the teens came out and identified that other things had occurred, which led to an investigation into a sexual assault that occurred with the suspect.”
Bradford was arraigned on Feb. 21 in the 44th District Court on one charge of third-degree criminal sexual conduct.
Hadfield stated that the criminal sexual conduct allegedly had been going on for the last few months, while the distribution and selling of vapes, tobacco and alcohol allegedly dates back to last summer.
Bradford only is charged with one count at this time, but Hadfield said police are “reviewing other potential witnesses and/or victims in the matter.”
Bradford was given a $175,000 cash bond, a GPS tether with location restrictions and other bond conditions including no contact with anyone under the age of 18 or who attends Royal Oak and Berkley schools. His next court date is scheduled for March 7. He did not have an attorney assigned to his case at press time.
“Berkley Detectives are continuing to investigate and will be pursuing further (requests) for charges for distributing marijuana vapes & cartridges, alcohol, and nicotine vape products to numerous different minors from the area and surrounding metro communities,” police stated in a social media press release. “The investigation is uncovering the depth of his deceit, length of time, profits, and illegal acts he was committing.”
The department is asking anyone who might have been a victim or have information on the case to contact police at (248) 658-3390 or at DB@berkleymi.gov.
