Heather Wallace, a 43-year-old woman from Lowell, Michigan, is accused of sexually assaulting her 3-year-old granddaughter. The charges arose after Wallace reported a man on a dating app who requested her to take indecent photos of her granddaughter. Wallace said she did not cooperate, but it was later uncovered that she had engaged in sexual actions with the man via video chats. She was charged with multiple serious felonies, including second-degree criminal sexual conduct, aggravated child sexually abusive behavior, aggravated possession of child sexually abusive materials, and using a computer to commit a crime. The case emphasizes the necessity of community monitoring and reporting procedures in addressing child safety and exploitation via digital channels.
Heather Smith. Autographed Letter, Signed. Handwritten, Commercial #10 (4.125 × 9.5 envelope). Metroplex, MI. January 31, 2025. Content unknown. SEALED.
Overview of the Case Involving Heather Ann Smith (Wallace)
Heather Ann Smith, also known as Heather Wallace, is a 43-year-old woman from Lowell, Michigan, who has been accused of sexually assaulting her 3-year-old granddaughter. The allegations surfaced following an investigation initiated by the Lowell Police Department after receiving a tip from the Hillsdale Police Department. This tip was related to a sexual assault case involving a man whom Wallace had met on a dating app.
Details of the Allegations
The investigation began when Wallace contacted Hillsdale police to report that this man had asked her to take inappropriate photographs of her granddaughter and suggested that she sexually assault the child. Wallace claimed that she did not comply with his request. However, further investigation by Lowell police revealed that during video chats with this individual, Wallace allegedly engaged in sexual acts with her granddaughter while caring for her.
Charges Filed Against Wallace
As a result of these findings, Wallace was charged with several serious offenses:
Second-degree criminal sexual conduct
Aggravated child sexually abusive activity
Aggravated possession of child sexually abusive materials
Using a computer to commit a crime
These charges carry significant penalties, including a minimum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Current Status and Next Steps
Wallace waived her preliminary hearing on Wednesday, indicating that she is proceeding to trial. The exact date for her next court appearance has not yet been determined as per statements from Kent County Prosecutor Christopher Becker.
Additionally, it has been reported that another individual – a man from the Coldwater area – has also been arrested and charged in connection with these alleged assaults.
Community Resources and Reporting
In light of this case, authorities have encouraged anyone with information related to it to contact the Lowell Police Department or Silent Observer. Furthermore, individuals who are experiencing or are aware of instances of sexual assault are urged to reach out to local law enforcement or organizations such as the YWCA of West Michigan for support.
Conclusion
This case highlights serious issues regarding child safety and exploitation through digital means, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance and reporting mechanisms in addressing such crimes.
VIDEO: Lowell woman arrested for sexual assault of 3-year-old granddaughter | https://youtu.be/_lFxhQ6HU_M
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