Former Holland city attorney facing 20 years in prison
Fri, Nov 20, 2009
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HOLLAND A former city attorney accused of sexually assaulting a woman last month in a Holland District Court bathroom could face up to 20 years in prison.
Carl Gabrielse, 30, was arraigned on charges of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, a 15-year felony, and misconduct in office, a five-year felony, in Grand Haven District Court on Thursday.
Gabrielse was fired from the law firm Cunningham Dalman on Nov. 6 following allegations he told a woman he'd reduce her charge in court in exchange for sex.
The assault is alleged to have occurred Nov. 3 in a bathroom at the 58th District Court in Holland, according to a personal-protection order the 21-year-old woman filed against Gabrielse on Nov. 6.
Gabrielse turned himself into the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department Thursday morning without incident, according to police.
During the arraignment, Judge Richard Kloote set a personal recognizance bond of $3,500. Gabrielse was free on bond by Thursday afternoon, records show.