2 arraigned in GR sexual assault case

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Two men suspected of the sexual assault and robbery were arraigned Thursday after being taken into custody by GRPD on Tuesday.

Lucas Such and Gregory Quinn, Jr. were arraigned in relation to the sexual assault, beating and robbery of two women on Sept. 14.

Quinn and Such appeared at the arraignment via video.

After the report of the assault, police released composite sketches of the suspects. They received numerous tips from Silent Observer and the Creston Neighborhood Association. Police said these tips were instrumental in the identification and arrests of the two suspects.

"It's very difficult to solve crimes without the assistance of the public," said GRPD Captain Jeffrey Hertel.

Such, 18, was arraigned on three counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of unarmed robbery.

22-year-old Quinn will be arraigned on charges of first degree criminal sexual conduct , unarmed robbery, and habitual offender.

Preliminary exams for both suspects are set for Oct. 5.

If convicted of the charges, the suspects could fact life in prison.

Gregory Quinn's mother Cynthia -- who asked to be identified only by her first name -- was at the arraignment on Thursday. She told 24 Hour News 8 that Quinn was upset after rumors implied that he was one of the men from police composite sketches.

"He was really, really hurt. He was very emotional," she said.

Cynthia is struggling to reconcile what she knows with her feelings.

"If he said he didn't do it, he didn't do it and I believe him. As a mother I have to believe him," said Cynthia.

But Cynthia also knows how the law works.

"Being realistic about it ... they had enough to take him, so it must be a little inclination that it is truth to it," she said.

Neighbors who knew the suspects said they were surprised to learn of the allegations. Jennifer Gillingham-Rausch is Such's neighbor.

"I never would have pictured anything like this from him," Gillingham-Rausch said. "It's kind of freaky. And now, to think he's right next door with me and my kids... It kind of scares you."

One of the alleged victims is physically all right following the attack. The other, who was knocked unconcious during the attack, is still recovering from a concussion.

Records show that Such has been arrested twice for malicious destruction of property as a juvenile, and once on charges of misdemeanor drugs and possession of marijuana. He was also arrested once for felonious unarmed robbery and charged with assault with intent to rob as a juvenile.

Both suspects are Grand Rapids residents who lived in close proximity to the assaults.

There is no evidence that the suspects know the victims. Only 22% of sexual assault victims do not know their assailants, according to the Community Crisis Center (PDF).