Iraq War Veteran Accused Of Raping 10-Year-Old Girl Jailed On $1M Bond
CHARLOTTE (WWJ/AP) - A 27-year-old Iraq War veteran has been jailed on $1 million bond after authorities say he raped and tried to strangle a 10-year-old girl.
Higinio Rivera III was arraigned Monday in Eaton County District Court on charges of attempted murder and first-degree criminal sexual conduct.
Authorities say the attack happened shortly after 3 a.m. Sunday at the girl's home on Stine Road in Charlotte, located off of I-69 in between Lansing and Battle Creek. The girl's parents told investigators they were awakened in the middle of the night by their daughter's screams.
The girl told her parents she was attacked and sheriff's deputies responded to the home. Other details surrounding the incident were not released.
The girl was examined at a hospital, where doctors apparently found evidence of sexual assault and strangulation.
According to a report in the Lansing State Journal, the girl told police "she was absolutely certain" that Rivera was her attacker.
Rivera, a married father of two young boys, is due back in court on March 21.
Along with police, Child Protective Services is investigating the incident.
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