COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A 28-year-old Hudsonville man was arraigned on Tuesday, in Branch County District Court on multiple felony charges involving a child under the age of 13.
Danny Keith VanZant Jr. faces two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, a first-degree felony that carries a maximum penalty of life in prison. In addition to the sexual assault charges, an amended felony complaint reveals that VanZant also faces one count of accosting a child for immoral purposes.
According to court records, the alleged crimes occurred in January 2023 at a residence in Bronson. The investigation began in March of this year after VanZant’s fiancée discovered sexually explicit emails exchanged between him and the victim, who is a young family member of hers.
When confronted by his fiancée, VanZant reportedly admitted he “had done something bad” and asked her not to notify authorities.
During subsequent interviews with investigators, the child stated they had sex twice in the past.
A Grand Rapids Police detective later questioned VanZant, who claimed he had been drinking and could not recall parts of the night before requesting an attorney.
Branch County District Court Judge set his bond at $75,000 with strict conditions, including zero contact with the victim and no unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 18. VanZant is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on October 29.
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