LOWELL, Mich. — Former Lowell Fire Chief Shannon Witherell pled guilty to fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct in circuit court on Wednesday, according to Kent County Prosecutor Christopher Becker.
Witherell, 45, was arraigned in court on Dec. 15, 2023, and faced three sexual assault charges from the Kent County Prosecutor's Office.
He was named Lowell Area Fire Chief in December 2020 after serving with the department in various roles since joining as a firefighter in 1998.
Online court records show he posted 10% of his $15,000 bond on Dec. 15, 2023.
Those records also show that Witherell is facing a domestic violence charge that was filed on Nov. 17. He faces a domestic violence case in the 63rd District Court.
According to court documents, Witherell and the victim had been drinking at a party, and the victim told Witherell he was too intoxicated to drive. This upset him, and they began arguing.
The argument continued when they got home. At one point, Witherell is accused of putting his hands around the victim's neck and squeezing.
A family member told investigators that Witherell was seen dragging the victim by her hair and arms while shouting at her to "get the **** out."
Witherell denied any physical altercation had occurred.
During this domestic violence investigation, Child Protective Services got involved due to a report of sexual assault.
The alleged assault took place over several years, and the victim reported being as young as 11 years old when it began.
A spokesperson for the Lowell Area Fire and Emergency Service Authority released the following statement after the charges were filed back in December:
"Shannon Witherell resigned as chief without explanation on Thursday evening. We were shocked by the charges brought against him on Friday and will cooperate fully with legal authorities. To the best of our knowledge, these alleged incidents did not take place at the fire station or when he was on duty. Our hearts are with all those who have been hurt by this. The authority has named Corwin Velzen interim chief, and he will lead day-to-day operations of the department. We remain focused on protecting and serving our entire community with a commitment to performance excellence."
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