MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) — A man accused of inappropriately touching several girls at Michigan’s Adventure north of Muskegon was formally charged Monday.
Appearing in court via video, Benjamin Koche, 39, was arraigned on a count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim under the age of 13 and a count of fourth-degree CSC involving a victim between 13 and 16. The first count is a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison. The second is a high misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison.
Michigan State Police said Koche was arrested after targeting young girls in the wave pool at the amusement park north of Muskegon on Saturday afternoon. In court Monday, authorities referenced a total of six victims.
A state trooper wrote in a court document that “multiple victims … reported having their buttocks touched, being grabbed by their hips” and pulled toward the stranger, and one person reported he pressed himself against her.
Koche was still at the park when troopers arrived after having been taken to the first aid building by security. The trooper wrote that Koche denied the accusations.
In a statement released Sunday, Michigan’s Adventure assured visitors that safety is its top priority.
Koche’s bond was set at $75,000. He is expected back in court on Aug. 14 for a preliminary hearing.
Anyone with information about what happened are asked to call Muskegon Central Dispatch at 800.328.0911.