Michael ChattersonFLINT, MI (WNEM) -
A man who swore to uphold the law is behind bars, facing several criminal charges.
A news conference was held Tuesday morning concerning a former deputy, who was a Lieutenant for the Genesee County Sheriff's department.
The former sheriff's deputy has been identified as 43-year-old Michael Chatterson. Chatterson turned himself in to Sheriff's deputies Tuesday and faces a charge of second degree criminal sexual assault, and four counts of stalking.
Sheriff Robert Pickell said all of the incidents involved Chatterson and five female sheriff's deputies who were under Chatterson's command. He was a Lieutenant with the paramedic unit of the Sheriff's office.
Pickell says after an investigation was started on December 28, his detectives came up with the charges against Chatterson. Pickell says Chatterson asked a deputy to come to his office last November, shut the door, then inappropriately touched the female deputy. The Sheriff terminated Chatterson on January fourth.
Sheriff Pickell didn't mince any words when talking about his feelings about the case. "I am mad as hell at him, for using his position of authority to take advantage of a number of female employees. These women have a very difficult job, working in the area of public safety, they have a right to come to the workplace and be protected from sexual harassment and assault."
Pickell also said the deputy was reprimanded several years ago for inappropriate workplace behavior regarding a female deputy.
WNEM will continue to follow this story and bring you updates as they come into the newsroom.
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