GRAND BLANC TWP – The Genesee County Sheriff warns parents after a Bay City man was arrested for allegedly fleeing his underage victim’s home.
In a press conference on December 30, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson announced that 32-year-old Scott McCarrick was arrested as part of a G.H.O.S.T. operation following an incident and investigation in Grand Blanc Township.
The Genesee Human Oppression Strike Team was formed to combat sex trafficking and arrest sexual predators, according to the GCSO website.
The parents of a 13-year-old girl went to check on her and discovered that the window was open and the screen was missing. While looking outside, the parents reported seeing a man fleeing their home.
Grand Blanc Township police responded to the house but were unable to locate the man. Swanson said they found a phone in the girl’s room that was allegedly left by the suspect. The phone was used to obtain a search warrant, allowing authorities to identify McCarrick as the suspect.
According to Swanson, McCarrick’s interactions with the victim began about 30 days before the incident at her home. McCarrick, who worked as a handyman in the area, noticed the girl and began talking to her.
“That’s where grooming starts,” he said. “They find what they want and then pursue it. They then begin to communicate, followed by separation and isolation. Then they demonstrate and meet the needs of various individuals, which is where we are today.”
The interactions eventually led to phones being dropped off for the victim.
According to authorities, the victim’s school witnessed McCarrick picking her up from school and transporting her to and from the bus stop. During this time, additional assaults were alleged to have occurred.
During the investigation, Swanson revealed that McCarrick was in a group chat with the girl and her friends.
McCarrick was charged with eleven felonies. He is charged with one count of criminal sexual conduct first degree, eight counts of criminal sexual conduct third degree, a 15-year felony, one count of using a computer to commit a crime, and one count of accosting a child for immoral purposes.
“As a parent myself, I cannot imagine,” Swanson said. “When you have your child at home, and you believe it is the safest place. The predators will still visit your home.”
Grand Blanc Community Schools is assisting with the investigation by tracking emails that were allegedly sent from school-issued Chromebooks.
Swanson advised parents to “be vigilant” and be aware of anything in their children’s rooms that should not be there.
