Parolee Arrested in Alleged Sexual Assault at Group Home in Ferndale

Ferndale Police are investigating an alleged criminal sexual conduct that reportedly occurred at a group home on Wanda Street in Ferndale.

According to Ferndale Police Lt. Bill Wilson, a parolee who resided at a group home at 600 Wanda is a suspect and was taken into custody by the Michigan Department of Corrections. He is expected to remain in custody during the investigation, Wilson said in a statement.

Ferndale Police Detective Ken Denmark said the suspect is a 40-year-old paroled convicted sex offender and he is accused of sexually assaulting a 59-year-old group home resident who is mentally challenged.

He has not yet been charged but could be charged next week, Denmark said.

According to state records, the home at 600 Wanda is a state-licensed facility serving people who are physically handicapped, developmentally disabled, mentally ill, aged or traumatically brain injuried. The home has a capacity of 12 occupants.

Denmark said the incident was reported on March 15. Several other convicted sex offenders on parole reportedly reside at the home. However, Denmark would not comment on whether there have problems at the home in the past.