Co-owner of downtown Chelsea restaurant charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct
Michael Paul Radant
Courtesy of WCSO
A 37-year-old man who is the co-owner of a downtown Chelsea eatery has been charged with two counts of third-degree criminal sexual misconduct.
Michael Paul Radant, of Chelsea, was arraigned on the two charges Sunday, police said.
A 37-year-old woman told police she was sexually assaulted by Radant in the 700 block of North Main Street on Thursday, Chelsea police chief Ed Toth said.
"It (was) not a stranger," he added. "It was a person he knew. They've known each other for quite some time."
The woman came into the Chelsea Police Department to report the incident on Friday.
Police could not go into much detail, but Toth did point out that third-degree criminal sexual conduct involves both force and penetration.
"It's someone forcing (their self) on someone else," he said about the charge.
Radant is the co-owner of Ellie’s Chelsea, a burger and sandwich shop located at 312 N. Main in the Clocktower Commons in Chelsea, along with his mother, Judy, and brother, Steve, according to a previous AnnArbor.com story.
"It's an allegation at this point," Judy Radant said when reached by phone Monday evening.
Judy Radant also confirmed the two knew each other.
"There are a lot of issues that entered into this," she said.
Radant is being held in the Washtenaw County Jail on $10,000 cash or surety bond.
John Counts covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at johncounts@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.
Comments
truthinfacts
Thu, Jan 10, 2013 : 10:39 p.m.
I understand that everyone is allowed an opinion,but why is no one mentioning how this affects the victims life? How turn upside down and destroyed the victim of a rape's life becomes? He was charged that is a matter of public record it may be easier to think him innocent and defend his reputation and attack but what about the victim,her life,her pain,her reputation.
Alan Goldsmith
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 8:56 p.m.
You know, I can't avoid commenting on this. This IS a news story, and even journalism. The person was arrested, charged with rape and arraigned in a court of law. He owns a downtown business in Chelsea. It's a NEWS STORY. He's innocent until he goes through a trial and found guilty but he was ARRAIGNED and it's a news story. NOT to report this story would have been a mistake. While I have problems with news story by police press release or court records, it's a story, it's news and it's journalism. People who are babbling and bashing the reporter for doing his job are wrong and out of line.
Just Saying
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 12:31 a.m.
Mr. Counts - being a cops and courts reporter means providing information in a timely, meaningful and credible manner. I was raised just outside Chelsea in the Saline area and now live in Chelsea myself. I totally understand and can appreciate the need for the safety of a small community to be informed of such information, but if the police cannot release specific details at this point, neither should you. Due process is exactly that - until proven in a court of law. This guy will get his day in court and he'll most likely be going away for some time. I find it odd that you didn't feel the need to include the woman's name or where she works. In the future, maybe you could provide ALL the story when the appropriate information is available and not just your biased retorte. Shotty journalism at best! If you feel the need for assistance with your writing in the future, feel free to contact me. On a side note, my thoughts and prayers go out to the woman and both families involved - victim and accused.
Just Saying
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 9:02 p.m.
Laura - perhaps you didn't understand my point (my attempt at providing a very overtly blatant response without making it sound like a joke). This is a very serious matter and obviously NO JOKE territory, but smearing this guy ruputation (and his families business) before due process is complete is simply wrong. I obviously understand the "WHY" behind not posting the woman's details, but I find it irresponsible journalism. You know how the small town mentality tends to take to every word written. My point is that this is a very sad situation for all involved, just wish Mr. Counts would have used better judgement. Maybe next time........
Skyjockey43
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 12:15 p.m.
Also, The National Enquirer was nominated for a Pulitzer prize for breaking the John Edwards story.
Skyjockey43
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 12:11 p.m.
Laura, I agree completely that victims of sexual assault should not be identified in the press. But by the same token, wouldn't you also agree that victims of false accusations should also not be identified? Since this case has not been adjudicated, we have no way of knowing if this man is a perpetrator, or a victim. But now since his name, mugshot, and criminal charge have forever been enshrined in the google abyss, it doesn't really matter if he's found to be innocent. If he's guilty, then lock him away. If he's not, then his life is still screwed.
Laura Jones
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 2:41 a.m.
Professional news outlets do not identify the alleged victims of sexual assault for obvious reasons. I know of no legitimate news sources that do such a thing, unless or until the accusation is found to be without merit, and then often only if it was clearly made with malice. You are obviously confusing AnnArbor.com with the National Enquirer.
actionjackson
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 12:19 a.m.
Just like the old radio show Paul Harvey used to say, "and the rest of the story." Anyone can be charged with a crime on the say so of a victim. Something does not sound like we have heard the other side of this arrest. Just yesterday A2.com had an article about false police reports where alcohol and excuses were major factors in the victims behavior. I sure hope that the charges against this guy don't fall into that category.
macintosh
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 10:11 p.m.
As a Chelsea resident, I very much appreciate annarbor.com letting me know about this arrest. And I very much appreciate the picture as well as knowing where the accused works. Am I the only woman responding on here? Egads, men, do any of you have wives or daughters that you feel obliged to protect? You act of if this is some conspiracy theory. When a grown man rapes, or does something that closely resembles rapes (for all you neanderthals who think the police got it wrong), you bet he loses his right to privacy.
zip the cat
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 1:19 p.m.
Get your facts straight Nobody is saying that HE or who HE is needs to be protected I/we are saying his place of employment and partners in business has no bearing on the allegations. His partners in business did not do the so called crime,but thanks to aa.com they will cease to exist
Skyjockey43
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 12:29 a.m.
So Macintosh, if make a complaint of sexual assault against you and the police charge you with a crime based on my accusation, you'd be ok with your name, workplace, and photo being splashed all over the internet regardless of your guilt or innocence? And remember, once it's on the internet, it's there forever regardless of the ultimate outcome.
actionjackson
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 12:22 a.m.
"When a grown man rapes, or does something that closely resembles rapes (for all you neanderthals who think the police got it wrong), you bet he loses his right to privacy." I believe that he is innocent until proven guilty by a jury of his peers.
Roadman
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 9:37 p.m.
It is sad that this fellow's reputation may be damaged, as well as that of his eatery despite the fact the alleged victim's identity is protected by journalistic protocol. If we remember in the recent case involving the Frenchman who was the IMF director, the "victim" had her identity eventually disclosed and the criminal case fell apart as she was shown to have very dubious credibility. Many of these sex assault cases involving non-strangers are actually contrived by the putative victims to create trouble for someone they may have a beef with or some other odious motivation.
a2xarob
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 : 3:58 a.m.
Many, Roadman? Many? How many? What percentage of "these sex assault cases?" Let's have some numbers here if you're going to claim "many."
Perry White
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 6:55 p.m.
"It's someone forcing (their self) on someone else," he said about the charge. "their self"? I assume that since it's in parentheses, that phrase has been inserted by annarbor.com. If it is an actual quote, then it's appropriate to use it, but otherwise, it's not good English. How about "forcing himself"?
salineguy
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 4:59 p.m.
I think I need a clarification. It is indicated that ... A 37-year-old woman told police she was sexually assaulted by Radant in the 700 block of North Main Street AND ... (Police Chief Ed) Toth did point out that third-degree criminal sexual conduct involves both force and penetration. Does this mean that the force AND penetration took place IN THE 700 BLOCK of Main Street? If so - then it sure should be Front Page News!
salineguy
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 6:59 p.m.
Makes sense about the use of 'newspaper' speak. And for your reference, justcurious, I do not joke about sexual assualt / rape.
justcurious
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 5:30 p.m.
That is newspaper speak for where a crime occurred without saying the exact address...though I think you knew that and just trying to make a joke.
Fatkitty
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 5:15 p.m.
Look at the map. The 700 block of North Main is basically residential, not within the business district proper, and at least a mile north of the eatery referred to in the article.
Richard
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 4:47 p.m.
This is one of those can't win situations for AnnArbor.com. If they don't write a story, they get criticized. If they write a story, they get criticized. If they publish two pictures they should have published one or three depending on who is criticizing. If they write where the person works, they get criticized. If they don't write where the person works, they get criticized. They give too much information, they give too little imformation. Can't win because people in Ann Arbor just like to criticize and complain.
Bear
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 9:09 p.m.
get a grip you guys. I don't know if you paid any attention to the article you are criticizing, but they printed the names of the other owners of the business. This is basic to reporting and a no-brainer. I don't believe any of you know the first thing about journalism. Of course, I don't think much of the journalism that A2.com engages in, it's more like a simple blog, regurgitating police reports more than anything else, but in this case, you folks are off the mark. It is public record! Get it? PUBLIC RECORD! This is just a reporting of the basic facts involved in the allegations and is entirely newsworthy. Also, how dumb do you think people are going to be on this? Hey, let's not go to this sub shop, the guys a rapist and so's his mom! I think that people will give the benefit of the doubt and let the courts take care of being the judge in this matter. Also, can it with the capping on people from Ann Arbor. A lot of the commenters here aren't from ann arbor and are more conservative than anything else. Once again, get a grip on reality and use your brain for what it was intended for, TO THINK before postiing so much shrill garbage. This reporter has done nothing inappropriate. I think your expectations are biased and inappropriate.
John
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 5:45 p.m.
Must be new to Ann Arbor because this is how it is. Always has been and always will be. Just need to be critical on what is legitimate and what is just plain old complaining.
justcurious
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 5:27 p.m.
OK, so you are in business with your mom and brother. You are accused of doing something and it gets published in the local paper. How would you feel about them also publishing the names of your mother and brother? It's best to try to put yourself in someone else's shoes before criticizing people who speak up and say this is wrong. Also it was sloppy journalism to leave the old "less than attractive" picture up there while publishing the new one.
zip the cat
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 4:14 p.m.
Your explanation of giving his place of employment,sucks. Tell it to his mom and brother who will cease to exist thanks to your mumbo/jumbo reporting. I hope he is exonerated of the charges then he can sue your socks off . I am probably wasteing my time writting this as you will delete it
a2citizen
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 9:06 p.m.
Suing? A lawsuit? On what grounds? It's a public fact he was arrested. It's a public fact he co-owns a restaurant. If you are so sure there is a "money grab" available call Sam Bernstein, give him the facts, and let us know if he will take on the case.
djacks24
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 7:11 p.m.
I smell a lawsuit and deleted comments to follow for the AnnArborpropagandist errr AnnArbor.com.
Fatkitty
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 5:24 p.m.
I agree with your complaint - there was no need for A2.com to publish his place of employment or the entire article for that matter. Considering the "facts" within this article, this alleged crime doesn't yet appear to be that of a serial rapist at work, which would justify alerting the public. However, I disagree that this alleged attack will affect the eatery's business to the point that they "cease to exist". Chelsea attracts visitors from all over the state; there are plenty of these folks who are probably oblivious to the local "issues", and will most likely continue to visit and bring business to the area.
John
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 4:25 p.m.
zip the cat. Well said! That's what I'm talking about! The explanation for making this a "Top Story" sucks also. It is between two individuals who knew each other "for quite some time." not some random act of violence by a stranger. Why is this pertinent information to the community? And anyone with any knowledge about AA News knows there will not be "follow up" that is front page, Top Story. Damage done! Shame on this type of journalism, shame on the public allowing this type of journalism.
justcurious
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 4:23 p.m.
Yes, there was no need to "out" this mother and brother.
John Counts
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 3:59 p.m.
We felt it was of public interest to link the suspect in this case to his place of business, which is, after all, very much out in the public. Also, once we released the name, we knew our reader's would be curious if the suspect was the same person who co-own this business. We wanted to clear that up before it even became a question. As for the two pictures, justcurious, we did not receive the booking picture until later this morning after the story was already posted on the site. The first picture that accompanied the story has since been removed.
zip the cat
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 3:14 p.m.
Releasing his name is fine Whats the place he works got to do with the so called crime. If the allegation turns out to be false,you have still ruined there existance. His mom and brother will never do any more business in chelsea thanks to your giving his place of employment.
AdmiralMoose
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 5 p.m.
You're shooting the messenger, Zip.
a2citizen
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 4:08 p.m.
One of the reasons for Japan's low crime rate is the embarrassment to the family.
Fatkitty
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 3:35 p.m.
"His mom and brother will never do any more business in chelsea thanks to your giving his place of employment." This was acquaintance rape (alleged). Unless the suspect has a record of similar crimes (and I don't recognize his photo being on the local predators list) , I think your statement is exaggerating just a little. How many times have you been shoulder to shoulder with rapists and not know it?
justcurious
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 3:30 p.m.
Good points. I also don't see the need for publishing two different pictures of this man in the story.
John Counts
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 3:01 p.m.
Hi John. The arraignment occurred Sunday, according to police, as the story points out. There's a longstanding standard operating procedure for news outlets to release the names of suspects in criminal cases once they've been arraigned. If we waited to report on crimes until the resolution of a suspect's case -- be it a plea deal or what may happen at a trial -- the community where the crime occurred wouldn't hear about it until months, maybe years, after the original incident. We seek to inform the communities we cover as soon as we can about people arrested and charged with crimes because there is a public need for that information. We also continue to follow-up on every case we start covering as it makes its way through the court process, from arraignment, to preliminary exam, to pretrial, to resolution, to sentencing, if it comes to that. You can be sure we'll continue to follow this case until it is resolved.
DBH
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 6:11 p.m.
So, Mr. Counts, was that a yes or a no?
John Counts
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 5:41 p.m.
DBH: Maybe I should clarify. We try our hardest to follow all cases as closely as we can. There are always obstacles, however. If something occurs in another country, for instance, it's not as simple as covering the court system in our area. Obstacles occur when trying to stay on stories in our local courts, too, but we always do our best to be fair to the accused while keeping the public informed.
DBH
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 5:11 p.m.
"We also continue to follow-up on every case we start covering as it makes its way through the court process, from arraignment, to preliminary exam, to pretrial, to resolution, to sentencing, if it comes to that." Mr. Counts, unless nothing has happened in a different case (see link below), I beg to differ with you on your quoted statement. An Ann Arbor resident, Carolyn Dutta, was killed (I suppose, allegedly, at this point) by a drunk driver named Cole Rickett last New Years Eve. I have never seen any follow-up on the case. I had asked Tony Dearing and Julie Baker (the latter the writer of the article below) if they could tell me what had become of the case, but they ignored my inquiries. Kyle Feldscher agreed to look into it, but that was it, despite my subsequently having asked him twice if he had found out anything on the case. Granted, the death occurred in Ontario, but there must have been something that occurred in the case that is discoverable, an arraignment at least if not a plea or trial. Would you like to back up your statement by following up on this case? http://www.annarbor.com/news/crime/ontario-man-faces-multiple-charges-in-fatal-car-crash-involving-ann-arbor-woman/
justcurious
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 2:49 p.m.
It's a sensitive issue. We've seen it go both ways on here....almost unbelievable guilt for some and last minute revelations that in fact nothing did happen for others. In the first case it is good that the public knows, in the second someone's reputation is ruined for a long time or even for life over a lie. I don't believe aa.com uses a photograph unless the person has been arraigned.
Bear
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 8:45 p.m.
I just read today a story about a michigan man who was released after serving ten years in prison for a rape he didn't commit. He was picked out of police photos and convicted even though they had no evidence or witnesses. He was released when it came to light that this woman had been convicted of falsely accusing men 9 times in California.
John
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 2:39 p.m.
Hate the idea of rape but I HATE when the news reports on these very sensitive cases way before there is any real story. Way to often the damage is done before the whole story is even available. THIS IS NOT NEWS, YET. AND if this man gets acquitted bet you won't run it as a "Top Story". Yes, I have a similar past experience. Yes, I got acquitted. No, I did not get a just and fair follow up. I never thought this kind of reporting had any kind of Journalism Ethics. Sounds like this hasn't even gone to initial arraignment, yet.
getyourstorystraightfirst
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 6:24 p.m.
John I completely agree with you! One of my good friends was in the same exact situation and it totally flipped his world upside down. We never got the chance to prove to everyone that he was not guilty because he was killed in a car accident. But that allegation ruined his life for the last days of his life. SO SAD!!! News reporters- How about following up & apologizing for ruining peoples lives when things like this happen?
John
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 3:28 p.m.
craigjjs, Then it belongs somewhere besides as a "Top Story" This is not a "Top Story" but yet this is running to exploit someone before all the facts are in. That's unethical.
craigjjs
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 2:55 p.m.
I disagree. This man was charged with a crime. Like it or not, that is news. There is nothing unethical about reporting it. On the other hand, the outcome of the case should be just as prominently reported as the criminal charges, particularly if he is innocent.
Billy
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 12:23 p.m.
"It's an allegation at this point," Judy Radant said when reached by phone Monday evening. Sorry Ma'am......it's a little more than an allegation when they've levied charges too. They usually don't bring charges without also having evidence that support those charges....they just don't give the public that evidence until the trial.
Skyjockey43
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 6:13 p.m.
Ron is absolutely correct. Ever hear the phrase "you can indict a ham sandwich". It doesn't matter how much, if any evidence, exists, It matters what you can comvince a grand jury. In the Duke lacrosse case, the prosecuter Mike Nifong charged and secured an indictment against three members of the team after a) DNA tests matched none of the players, and 2) two of the players had rock solid alibis, one of which was backed up by a time stamped ATM photo.
Ron Granger
Tue, Nov 20, 2012 : 1:44 p.m.
Wrong - it is only an allegation until and unless someone is found guilty in court. I realize that may not provide the level of drama many like to see on TV, but that is the way it is.