Derek Bailey. Photo from Facebook
Derek Bailey, a former chairman and former council member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians in Michigan, was found guilty of sex crimes on Friday. The jury deliberated for more than 11 hours before reaching the verdict, according to news reports. Bailey, 42, was convicted of two second-degree counts of criminal sexual conduct in connection with the abuse of a minor victim. But he was acquitted of three charges in connection with a second minor victim. The mixed outcome likely represented a "compromise" among jurors in order to avoid a mistrial on all of the charges, a prosecutor in Leelanau County told The Traverse Ticker. Bailey's lawyer is now planning an appeal, the paper said. The trial started last Tuesday and testimony concluded on Thursday before the case went to the jury. The two victims testified as did Bailey and Bailey's wife, who filed for divorce after learning of the charges. Bailey faces 10 to 15 years if the conviction in Leelanau County stands, Up North Live reported. He's also due to stand trial in yet another sex abuse case in Grand Traverse County. Bailey served as chairman of the tribe from 2008 to 2012 and was serving as a council member when he was charged in May. He resigned his post in July. In 2011, Bailey sought the Democratic nomination for Congress but ended up running for a seat in the Michigan Legislature. He was defeated in the primary. Get the Story:
Bailey Found Guilty; Appeal Likely (The Traverse Ticker 11/7)
Bailey guilty of two counts (The Traverse City Record-Eagle 11/6)
Jury finds Derek Bailey guilty of sex crimes (Up North Live 11/6)
Leelanau County Jury Finds Derek Bailey Guilty of Sex Crimes (9 and 10 News 11/6)
Second Alleged Victim Testifies in Trial Against Derek Bailey (9 and 10 News 11/4)
Derek Bailey's wife takes stand in day two of trial (Up North Live 11/4)
Witnesses testify in Bailey trial (The Traverse City Record-Eagle 11/4)
Alleged victim testifies in day one of Derek Bailey trial (Up North Live 11/3) Leelanau Co Trial for Derek Bailey Begins, Alleged Victims Testify (9 and 10 News 11/3)
Derek Bailey trial begins in Leelanau County (Interlochen Public Radio 11/3)
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Former Grand Traverse Band
leader faces more abuse charges (08/21) Grand Traverse Band leader facing abuse charges resigns position (07/09)
Council member of Grand Traverse Band accused of assault (05/11)
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