Accused sex offender remanded to district court

LUDINGTON – Frederick James Lewis, 31, of Ludington appeared in 51^st Circuit Court Tuesday to request his case be remanded to 79^th District Court. Lewis was arrested on Feb. 12 by the Michigan State Police on two counts of criminal sexual conduct first degree.

He was arrested following an investigation alleging Lewis engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a minor under 13. The investigation alleges that Lewis was involved with the victim from 2003 to 2006 in a Custer Township home.

Prosecutor Paul Spaniola said Lewis waived his preliminary examination in April and at that time it was agreed that his case could be remanded to district court for another preliminary examination if a settlement couldn’t be reached by Tuesday’s circuit court hearing.

“Since an agreement wasn’t reached, the defendant exercised his right to remand under the waiver of prelmin,” Spaniola said.

Magistrate Paddy Baker said a new prelim date will be set later today.