Lt. Gov. Brian Calley addresses a group of protestors on the Sanilac County Courthouse lawn
(SANDUSKY) – Sanilac County District Judge Gregory Ross rescinded his order giving a Brown City man who was an alleged sex offender, joint legal custody of a child born to a woman who claimed the man raped her when she was 12 years old.
In a clear and terse statement to a Circuit Court room full of family, friends and media, Judge Ross ruled Tuesday that 27-year-old Christopher Mirasolo won’t have parental rights in connection to the 8-year-old boy, but he may still be responsible for child support.
Judge Ross did not allow either side in the case to address the Court, rather he read from a statement saying he did not know the Defendant had raped the Plaintiff. He said he was not surprised at the public outrage and he was too, after learning further information.
He noted he was disappointed in the Plaintiff’s attorney for turning the case in to a media circus. Attorney Rebecca Kiessling reacted to comments made about the case and said she will file new motions for child support and promised to be back in court if the Prosecutor’s Office doesn’t follow through with seeking support for her client. Kiessling feels there are still problems with the case, which she intends to follow through with.
Security
In a related matter, prior to the hearing Tuesday afternoon, a large number of protestors gathered on the Courthouse Lawn in Sandusky, protesting how the case has been handled. While speeches were being given, including one by the victim herself, a large number of local, county and state law enforcement officers were visible both outside and inside the Courthouse.
In the hallway outside of the courtroom were at least four sheriff deputies, with another three deputies inside during the hearing. There were also uniformed deputies present at the entrance to the Sanilac County jail and Sandusky police officers at each driveway entrance to handle traffic and for security purposes.
Lt. Gov. Brian Calley also made an appearance to the gathering outside after the hearing, accompanied by security guards, voiced his concern over the case and said laws and procedures are being reviewed for possible changes. He emphasized the main thing in this entire case is not whether or not local officials acted properly, rather the rights of the victim.
Victim speaks
At Tuesday’s gathering of protestors on the Sanilac County Courthouse Lawn, both victims spoke to the crowd, briefly sharing their story. The first victim, known as Tiffany, said she was scared to come forward claiming to have been threatened by the defendant. She said her baby boy is doing fine and when asked if she would tell him about this case, she replied, “at the right time, when he is old enough, yes, I will tell him.”
The victims, and Tiffanys mother, told the large gathering they want to see justice done and they are not happy how this case has been handled by the Prosecutor’s Office or by Judge Gregory Ross. Judge Ross said he had no knowledge of what he called the rape of the victim, and immediately set aside an earlier decision after learning further details of the incident.
During the hearing, Judge Ross said he relies on information provided by the Prosecutor’s Office and not all of the information was given, prior to his decision in September. He stated to the crowd, “I do not rubber stamp things,” adding, “I pride myself in being a fair and honest Judge and do not delay in making decisions. I wanted this hearing last week, but the Plaintiff’s attorney was not available.” Ross also pointed out at no time, has the young child been in any danger during this case.
Kiessling concluded, “there is a definite problem still. And it needs to be addressed. The consent agreement was not signed by my client. Not of this happens, any of it, if the law is followed. It was not followed and we intend to continue on with this case until we get resolution.”
