By Associated Press - Thursday, April 7, 2016

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) - A former chairman of a northern Michigan Indian tribe has been convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct against a girl.

Derek Bailey was found guilty Thursday in Grand Traverse County court. He’s the former chairman of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.

A 15-year-old girl says Bailey sexually abused her for years. He denied the allegations during testimony.



In November, he was convicted of second-degree criminal sexual conduct in Leelanau County. The Traverse City Record-Eagle (https://bit.ly/1ULPwlX ) says he’ll be sentenced in both cases on May 2.

Bailey’s family and friends cried when they heard the verdict in the packed courtroom. The girl’s supporters hugged.

___

Information from: Traverse City Record-Eagle, https://www.record-eagle.com

Copyright © 2026 The Washington Times, LLC.

Please read our comment policy before commenting.