70-year-old youth referee accused of preying on child athlete in Michigan
10/27/2022 1:26 pm PDT
LANSING, Mich. (TCD) -- A 70-year-old youth referee stands accused of sexual conduct involving a male juvenile.
The allegations against the suspect, Gerald Sutter, occurred from 2019 through 2021 in his home on the 700 block of Fitting Avenue, the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release. Sutter, who worked as a multisport official and traveled all over Michigan officiating athletic games, reportedly preyed on young athletes.
The Sheriff’s Office said Sutter worked in youth sports for nearly 50 years, mostly for baseball and softball, including for both male and female teams, "spanning early childhood sports all the way through college athletics."
In a statement, the Sheriff’s Office said, "Anyone that has played or had children who have played sports in this area likely had games officiated by Sutter."
During a search of the suspect’s home, authorities reportedly found evidence that there could be more victims, and the case may span several decades.
On Oct. 25, Sutter, who also went by Jerry and "Dewey," was arrested and charged with three counts of criminal sexual conduct, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The investigation remains ongoing.
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