GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (WZZM) An attorney contracted to do work for the City of Holland has been charged with 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct and misconduct in office.
Carl Gabrielse turned himself in this morning and was arraigned in 58th district court in Holland. He's accused of sexually assaulting a 21-year old lakeshore woman in the 58th district court house.
Investigators allege after he assaulted the woman, who he was prosecuting on a criminal drunk driving offense, he lowered her charges to driving while impaired.
"I don't want to get into the facts of the case but as an assistant city attorney or any prosecutor for that matter, he's held to a higher standard. We're expected to behave in a certain way and when there is an allegation that hasn't happened we have to take it seriously. The investigation was done and there is the two count charge you see before you," said Ottawa County Prosecuting Attorney Ron Frantz.
Holland was employed with law firm Cunningham Dalman in Holland, a firm the city of Holland contracted for legal services including prosecuting cases.
A representative with the firm confirmed that Gabrielse has been fired.
Gabrielse was released on a personal bond and is being allowed to leave the state to visit family.
Joel Baar, an attorney representing the alleged victim made the following statement regarding the case:
"The criminal justice system let her down once before but she is confident the Ottawa County Prosecutor's office and Ottawa County Sheriff's Department won't let her down again."
In your voice
