LOWELL, Michigan — Former Lowell Fire Chief Shannon Witherell was sentenced to probation Wednesday for sexual assault.
Witherell, 45, pleaded guilty to fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct in circuit court in April.
He was arraigned in court on Dec. 15, 2023, and originally faced three sexual assault charges from the Kent County Prosecutor's Office. The other charges were dropped when he entered a guilty plea.
He was sentenced to two years of probation Wednesday morning. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.
Before his sentencing, Witherell apologized to his family and community.
“I have spent the last nine months working on myself, and actively involved in counseling, actively involved in AA, I’m nine months sober now,” he said.
The judge cited that he only has a misdemeanor in his past, and that the victim told the judge she didn't want Witherell to go to jail.
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 Witherell, 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.
Witherell was named Lowell Area Fire Chief in December 2020 after serving with the department in various roles since joining as a firefighter in 1998.
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."