Ex-tribal council member convicted of sex crimes

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) – A former member of a northern Michigan Indian tribe’s council has been convicted of criminal sexual conduct charges involving a girl.

A Leelanau County jury found Derek Bailey guilty Friday of two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, but not guilty of three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving another girl.

Assistant prosecutor Doug Donaldson tells the Traverse City Record-Eagle the conviction represents “a compromise” but one he will accept. Defense attorney Craig Elhart says he doesn’t think Bailey is “guilty of anything,” and is looking to appeal.

Bailey is also scheduled to stand trial Dec. 9 in Grand Traverse County on charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and gross indecency.

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians announced Bailey’s resignation in July.