Thursday, December 24, 2020

Canton man faces 18 sexual abuse charges

Shailesh K. Patel
A Canton Township man is facing life imprisonment if convicted of 18 counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct.

Shailesh K. Patel, 53, was arraigned in 35th District Court Dec. 18 on the charges which stemmed from an investigation by the Canton Police Department in conjunction with the FBI task force and SEMTEC (Southeast Michigan Trafficking and Exploitation Crimes).

Officials said the investigation was based on a complaint of abuse filed by a victim. That complaint, according to police reports, dates back to 2005. The majority of the allegations involve a child younger than 13.

Patel is also charged with three counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, including force and coercion..

Patel was arraigned before Chief Judge James Plakas who denied bail and remanded the defendant to the Wayne County Jail where he remains.

Patel is due in court again Dec. 28.