Charge Reduced for Chesterfield Township Man Accused of Assaulting Teen Worker
The 63-year-old man was arraigned Monday in 41A District Court in Shelby Township for his alleged involvement in the Macomb Township crime.
A charge against a Chesterfield Township man was reduced Monday from second-degree to fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, according to police.
Antonino Giannola, 63, was initially charged with the felony offense over the weekend, but the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office changed the charge to a misdemeanor after further reviewing the case. In this instance, second-degree CSC would have been merited if authorities considered Giannola to be in a position of authority over the 15-year-old girl who reported the attack, the Macomb County Sheriff's Office said.
“The relationship between the two was not such that they determined him to be in a position of authority over the girl," Sheriff's Lt. John Michalke said of the decision made by the Prosecutor's Office.
The man, however, was the teen's boss and the reported attack took place Friday inside his business on 21 Mile Road in Macomb Township, the Sheriff's Office said.
Giannola was formally arraigned Monday in front of Magistrate Michael Osaer in 41A District Court in Shelby Township. A $5,000/10 percent bond was set. He was ordered not to have contact with the teen, according to court officials.
If convicted of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, he could face up to two years imprisonment and/or a $500 fine. Conviction of second-degree CSC would have called for a maximum of 15 years in prison.
Cyd S
8:45 am on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Okay, I don't get it. He was her "boss", but not in a "position of authority" over her. ????????????????????
Christy Arboscello
9:01 am on Wednesday, March 13, 2013
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Mike
9:01 am on Wednesday, March 13, 2013
It seems there were some things left out of this article. What happened? Also, I'm curious to know what business this guy owns.
Lindy
9:01 am on Saturday, March 16, 2013
I know Tony and his family - I have known him for many, many years and I can say with complete confidence and with my heart and soul that he would NEVER do something like this! All it takes is a female to make a (false) claim against a man and everyone believes the female without any proof/evidence. There is no "until proven guilty" in these sorts of allegations, and therein lies the power of the accuser. She should be ashamed of herself for what she has done (bared false witness) and I do believe in KARMA! What does she hope to gain? Revenge or money in a lawsuit? And by the way, the ice cream shop is still open and other teens are still happily employed. Their parents have no fears or doubts. But none of that is reported. Nor is the fact the allegations have weakened and her story has been inconsistent. I hope and pray Tony and his family can put this behind them very soon. Although this kind of awful stain on one's once impeccable reputation can be permanent in the eyes of society.
Gretchen
9:23 am on Sunday, March 24, 2013
You should have stopped after the first sentence. But you attacked the alleged victim, whom you do not know, without mercy. You are not helping your friend and your remarks about the alleged victim are shameful.