x
Breaking News
More () »

Norton Shores foster parent accused of sexually assaulting a child

Mark Sorensen, 61, of Norton Shores is facing two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

NORTON SHORES, Mich. — A Norton Shores foster care provider has been charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. The allegations against 61-year old Mark Sorensen were reported to Norton Shores Police last week. Jail records show Sorensen was arrested Friday. 

Sorensen, and his wife are licensed foster care providers. He was arraigned Monday, April 15, in Muskegon County District court. Sorensen does not have a criminal history, and he's being held in the Muskegon County Jail on a $500,000 cash or surety bond. If he's able to post bond, the Muskegon judge instructed Sorensen not to have any contact with minor children. 

Court documents show the alleged sexual penetration of the child occurred at Sorensen's Norton Shores home on Pontaluna Road sometime between April 1 and April 11. The victim is under the age of 13, and a relative of Sorensen. 

"We are still obviously looking and following any leads that might suggest that there might be other victims out there," said Muskegon County Prosecutor D.J. Hilson.

"We'd ask they, or their guardian or their parent contact the Norton Shores Police Department and sit down and talk with detectives," he said.

According to Hilson, Sorensen and his wife may have fostered 40 kids throughout their time frame as foster parents. 

Sorensen is due back in court for a preliminary examination on May 1.

►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.

Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter.

Before You Leave, Check This Out