Houghton County Child Sex Abuse Trial
Two teenage girls were in court in Houghton County today to testify against their uncle, who is charged with a sex crime.
48–year–old Gregory Kratt of Toivola is charged with second-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a relation, which is a 15-year felony if convicted.
A fourth-degree CSC charge was dropped before the trial began.
Last September, Kratt’s two nieces, 15 and 16 years old at the time, stopped by his home for a visit.
Both of the girls took the stand this afternoon.
The younger girl testified that she had exchanged bean dips — a playful act of flicking the breast — with Kratt.
Then Kratt took each of his nieces for a ride on a four–wheeler, one at a time.
Both girls said that Kratt touched them on their thighs during the ride.
Afterwards, Kratt allegedly made a direct comment concerning the 15–year-old’s breasts.
The girls testified that Kratt was drinking at the time.
Kratt’s lawyer, David Gemignani, focused on what he saw as inconsistencies in the girls’ testimony, including the number of so–called bean dips and the time in between them.
The trial continued late in to the afternoon and is scheduled to resume tomorrow morning.
Posted by: Mike Hoey