Marshawn James Curtis, 30, of Lansing, received a substantial sentence of 17.5 to 80 years for a 2012 rape case following a cold-case investigation and prosecution. Judge James Jamo of the 30th Circuit Court in Ingham County announced the sentencing, which was the culmination of efforts by the Ingham/Jackson Regional Sexual Assault Team.
Curtis was found guilty of first-degree Criminal Sexual Conduct by an Ingham County jury on December 1st, marking a significant victory for justice in the case that had remained unsolved for years. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Ingham County Prosecutor John Dewane applauded the outcome, emphasizing the importance of initiatives like the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) in bringing perpetrators to justice.
The investigation into Curtis was initiated under the SAKI program, focusing on a 2012 rape incident. However, further probes revealed four additional Michigan women who reported being followed by Curtis between 2018 and 2019, alleging instances of indecent exposure and lewd behavior. Moreover, Curtis faces allegations of another rape in Georgia in 2020, underlining the potential serial nature of his offenses.
Prosecutor Dewane highlighted the challenges associated with investigating sexual assaults and the significance of specialized teams like SAKI in handling such cases effectively. The SAKI project aims to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed reinvestigations for sexual assault survivors, offering them a chance for closure and justice.
Funding for the SAKI projects in various Michigan counties, including Ingham, underscores the state’s commitment to combating sexual violence and supporting survivors. With dedicated resources and collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and advocacy groups, the SAKI initiative continues to make strides in holding offenders accountable and preventing future assaults.
The sentencing of Marshawn James Curtis serves as a testament to the perseverance of law enforcement and the commitment to ensuring that survivors of sexual assault receive the justice they deserve.