SAULT STE MARIE — A Lower Michigan man, the subject of a multiple-count felony warrant was arrested Thursday in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. The man, wanted on an eight-count felony warrant for criminal sexual conduct, was taken into custody Wedneday at the Soo Locks. According to a press release from the Michigan State Police (MSP), the arrest of the man was unrelated to the closure of the locks on Wednesday.

State Police at the Alpena Post initiated an investigation in 2024 into allegations of criminal sexual conduct which resulted in felony charges being issued by the Alpena County Prosecutor’s Office. MSP had information that the suspect was employed aboard the freighter M/V Kaye E. Barker. As the Kaye E. Barker passed through the Soo Locks today, June 4, 2025, troopers from the Sault Ste. Marie Post and the Seventh District Fugitive Team coordinated with the captain of the Kaye E. Barker and staff from the Soo Locks. As the 767 ft. iron ore freighter was tied up at the locks, troopers boarded the freighter, contacted the suspect, and placed him under arrest.

The 34-year-old man from Alpena was safely taken into custody and was transported to the Alpena County Jail to be lodged. State Police remind the public, the suspect is considered innocent unless proven guilty.