×

Man arraigned on sexual assault charge

HOUGHTON — A Houghton man accused of committing a sexual assault on the Michigan Technological University campus was arraigned in 97th District Court Friday.

Gerard Dickerson, 31, is charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct, a 15-year felony.

The alleged offense occurred June 8, according to court documents. The people allegedly involved were guest undergraduate students visiting campus for the summer term, according to a Michigan Technological University release.

“Once the university was notified, MTU’s Department of Public Safety and Police Services responded to the incident immediately and swiftly determined the alleged assailant was no longer a potential threat to the university and the community,” the release said.

Trained trauma personnel provided victims’ services, Tech said.

Tech’s Department of Public Safety referred follow-up questions to Ian Repp, Tech’s assistant vice president for university marketing and communications. A phone message was left with Repp seeking comment Friday.

In the release, Tech said the university continues to cooperate with all authorities.

“We have zero tolerance for sexual harassment or violence – and will continue to monitor our efforts and processes to ensure we’re doing everything possible to protect our campus community,” the release said.

Dickerson is out on bond. His preliminary examination is scheduled for July 19.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today