Lawyer: Teen victim, not sex predator

LOWELL, Mich. (WOOD) - The attorney for a 17-year-old girl accused of raping a teenage girl said a plea deal is being discussed and that she is willing to testify against the 27-year-old man who's also accused in the case.

Police allege Jonathan Crandall gave a 15-year-old girl alcohol and marijuana. Crandall and Jillian Lemmink then had sex with the victim while she was under the influence, police said.

The victim said she was passed out during the assault, which allegedly happened at Crandall's apartment above Lucid Hydroponics in Lowell. The victim is a friend of Lemmink's but did not know Crandall.

They were arrested Jan. 19.

Both Crandall and Lemmink, charged with first degree criminal sexual conduct, waived their preliminary exam, and their case will go to trial. No further court date is set.

But Lemmink's attorney, Matthew Herman, said she is really another victim in the case and should not be charged at all.

"Anytime a 27-year-old man provides alcohol and drugs to a minor it's a concern and it raises questions as to whether this gentleman is a predator or whether or not he had the purest of intentions when he invited them over," he said.