LOWELL, Michigan — Former Lowell Area Fire Department Chief Shannon Witherell was arraigned in court Friday to face three sexual assault charges.
Witherell, 45, was named Lowell Area Fire Chief in December 2020 after serving with the department in various roles since joining as a firefighter in 1998.
The Kent County prosecutor's office filed the charges Thursday, and it appears he was arraigned Friday.
Online court records show he posted 10% of his $15,000 bond Friday.
He's due back in court for a probable cause conference after Christmas.
Online court records also show that Witherell is also facing a domestic violence charge that was filed on Nov. 17.
A spokesperson for the Lowell Area Fire and Emergency Services Authority issued the following statement:
"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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