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Kent County Commissioner faces multiple criminal sexual conduct charges

File photo
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Kent County Sheriff
Kent county Commissioner Gary Rolls' booking photo at Kent County Jail from November 21, 2013.

Kent County Commissioner Gary Rolls was booked today in the Kent County Jail.

He's been under investigation for several months after a 29-year-old Muskegon woman attempted to get a personal protection order against him back in September 2012.

In her request, the woman recounts multiple incidents of sexual abuse over decades. She says the first incident happened at his home in Rockford when she was 12. She says Rolls' son was a friend of hers.

Rolls had previously denied the allegations through his attorney.

The Ionia County prosecutors' office is handling the case because of Rolls' elected position in Kent County. Michigan State Police investigated the case.

According to a release issued today, Rolls faces four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, using a computer to commit a crime, and tampering with evidence. Penalties for the CSC charges can be up to life in prison. The prosecutor's office and MSP declined further comment.

Lindsey Smith helps lead the station'sAmplify Team. She previously served as Michigan Public's Morning News Editor, Investigative Reporter and West Michigan Reporter.