Legal Ethics

Former City Attorney Pleads to Felony in Courthouse Sex Case

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A Michigan lawyer who formerly served as a deputy prosecutor for the city of Holland has pleaded guilty in a felony case, admitting in court this week that he made a plea deal with a 21-year-old female defendant in exchange for sex in a courthouse bathroom.

Carl Gabrielse, 31, pleaded guilty Wednesday to third-degree criminal sexual conduct and misconduct in office as a deputy city attorney, reports the Holland Sentinel. However, if he successfully completes the terms of his sentence, he will be allowed to change his plea and admit to a lesser felony that does not require him to register as a sex offender.

He is expected initially to be given to six months in the Ottawa County Jail and required to obtain sex therapy when he is sentenced in April, the newspaper reports.

Fired in November from his job at the Cunningham Dalman law firm, Gabrielse also is expected to face attorney disciplinary proceedings.

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