By By NORMA LERNER / Dowagiac Daily News
CASSOPOLIS – Two camp counselors at Camp Wagner in Calvin Township who simulated sex acts with young boys received probation periods in Cass County Circuit Court Friday morning.
Lyle Simpson, 19, of Indianapolis, Ind., received 18 months probation on a conviction of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct while Jordan Barnes, 18, of Chicago, received two years of probation for the same offense.
Circuit Judge Michael Dodge pronounced the sentences, saying Barnes was "more seriously involved."
Dodge said, however, that the men were both legally responsible for the offense.
Barnes also received 90 days jail suspended for six months. He will go to jail at the end of the six months if he does not comply with terms of his probation. He is to take steps to receive appropriate counseling.
Both men are to register as Michigan sex offenders.
Chief Assistant Prosecutor Jason Ronning said there were three teenaged boys and a 9-year-old boy who were present at the time of the offense but not involved except for a "pat on the head."
Ronning said there were heavy sexual overtones but no penetration during the simulated sex acts, but there was inappropriate touching. He said there was a video taken of the acts by a third camp employee by use of a cell phone camera.
Barnes sat at the defense table with his head hung low during his sentencing but did say he was "really sorry." Simpson indicated he was sorry in a mumbled voice.
Dodge recounted it was last July when the young men were acting as camp counselors. They abused their authority by harassing three young boys, one aged 15 and two 14-year-olds. He said it was similar to college hazing, but the horseplay turned into simulated sex acts and touching. "It was not something they (young boys) should be subjected to. The acts were criminal sexual conduct," he said.
Both men were ordered to pay $570 in court costs.[ok]