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CSC charge dismissed after alleged victim recants claim.
#OceanaCountyNews
By Allison Scarbrough, Editor
HART – A first-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) charge was dismissed against a 31-year-old New Era woman after the alleged victim – a 10-year-old boy – recanted his claim, according to Oceana County Prosecutor Joseph Bizon.
Amanda Marie Zoulek of 5923 W. Stony Lake Rd., was arrested by the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office for a felony of first-degree CSC – victim under age 13, which is punishable by up to life in prison.
“The alleged victim is 10 years old,” said Bizon. “He gave police a graphic and detailed account of what the defendant made him do. Today (Feb. 4), he came to my office for the preliminary exam; recanted his statement to police; and told me he lied to have the defendant removed from his home. In light of that, we could not continue to prosecute this case.
“The obvious question is will he be charged with filing a false police report?” Bizon said. “No, first because I do not believe the recantation. While it prevents further prosecution, his original statement is more credible and this office does not believe in punishing victims of a crime who are overwhelmed by the process. Also, being 10, the law declares minors of this age not competent to be held accountable for delinquent acts.”
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