Suspect in Mackinac Island Sexual Assault Arrested

A man from Mexico is in custody in Northern Michigan after being named as the suspect in a sexual assault that occurred earlier this month on Mackinac Island.

Mackinac Island is a charming tourist spot situated in Lake Huron, nestled between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. It’s often described as a place where visitors can, perhaps, feel like they’ve “stepped back in time,” thanks to its stunning scenery, Victorian-era buildings, and a strict ban on motor vehicles.

The Mackinac Island Police Department’s press release identifies the suspect as Jaimez, a 30-year-old male.

The incident took place around 2:15 a.m. on September 16, when a woman was walking alone on Main Street, near Hoban Street. According to the report, a man pushed her to the ground, assaulted her, and then ran away on foot.

The victim was subsequently taken to the Mackinac Island Medical Center for treatment.

Later that day, Carlos Adrian Fernandez De Lara Jaimez was identified as the suspect. He was arrested and taken to the Mackinac County Jail located in St. Ignace, which is in the Upper Peninsula.

In his booking photo, he is referred to as “Carlos Fernandez,” although court documents list Jaimez as his last name. As of Monday afternoon, a deputy confirmed he remains in custody.

Mackinac Island Police described Jaimez in their release as being from Mexico. However, a deputy did not confirm his legal status but mentioned that surrendering his passport was one of the conditions set for Jaimez’s bond.

He faces charges of second-degree criminal sexual conduct involving personal injury, which is classified as a felony. During his arraignment on September 18, Judge Beth Gibson set his bond at $100,000, either in cash or surety.

Jaimez had a probable cause conference on Monday, but the court records only indicated “miscellaneous action” for that event. He is scheduled for a preliminary examination hearing next Monday.

Neither Jaimez’s lawyer nor the Department of Homeland Security responded to requests for comments.