Former Michigan Indian Tribe Leader Gets 25 Years In Prison For Sex Crimes

SUTTONS BAY, Mich. (AP) -- A former chairman of a northern Michigan Indian tribe has been sentenced to at least 25 years in prison for first-degree criminal sexual conduct against a girl in the Traverse City area.

At the same time, Derek Bailey was sentenced Monday to at least 10 years in prison for second-degree criminal sexual conduct in Leelanau County. The sentences will be served at the same time.

The 43-year-old Bailey is the former chairman of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. He denied the allegations while testifying at two trials.

Defense attorney Craig Elhart says he wasn't surprised by the sentences because the long minimum punishments were mandatory under state law. Bailey will be eligible for parole after 25 years.

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