STERLING HEIGHTS (WWJ) — A UAW supervisor has been accused of sexually assaulting a young employee at a Ford plant in Sterling Heights.
Angelo Lupo was arraigned on two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of unlawful imprisonment.
The charges stem from an alleged incident on Monday, Aug. 26 at the plant. The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office alleges the 48-year-old Lupo “abused his position of authority” to lure the female employee into his office.
He then allegedly “confined and sexually assaulted her.”
Authorities did not release the age of the victim. All three counts against Lupo are felonies that carry a maximum penalty of up to 15 years in prison.
Lupo’s bond was set at $50,000, despite a request from the prosecutor’s office for a much higher total of $200,000. If released, Lupo will be required to have no contact with the victim and he must surrender his passport.
His next court date has been scheduled for Nov. 27.
"Our hearts go out to the victim, who showed immense courage in coming forward. Using a position of authority to exploit and harm another individual is a serious offense, and our office is committed to seeking justice on her behalf," Prosecutor Pete Lucido said, per a press release.
The prosecutor's office did not say whether the suspect has been punished by the UAW or Ford. They also did not identify the plant where the alleged assault took place.