MUSKEGON, MI – A 29-year-old Muskegon man who was discharged from prison in 2013 has been charged with a new felony for allegedly raping a 6-year-old girl with "cognitive disabilities," according to authorities.
Christopher Michael Abbey, 29, has been charged with criminal sexual conduct, first-degree, for the alleged rape of a 6-year-old girl at his home in the first block of Monroe Avenue in the city of Muskegon.
First-degree criminal sexual conduct involves penetration.
A warrant for his arrest has been signed by a magistrate, Muskegon County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Timothy Maat confirmed.
Maat said the allegations were reported to the Muskegon Police Department by Child Protective Services. The child was removed from her mother's care in 2013, Maat said.
Maat declined to reveal how Abbey knew the victim in order to protect the child's identity. The child is currently in foster care.
The investigation into the allegations revealed that Abbey allegedly raped the child who suffers from "cognitive disabilities," Maat said.
Abbey is expected to be arraigned in Muskegon County 60th District Court once he is released from the hospital where he is being guarded by a law enforcement official for undisclosed health issues, Maat said.
Abbey's criminal background includes assault with intent to rob in 2003, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, breaking and entering, felony escape and resisting and obstructing a police officer.
According to the Michigan Department of Corrections, Abbey was discharged from prison in 2013.
Heather Lynn Peters covers police and fire, and writes a statewide food column, The Spunky Kitchen, for MLive/Muskegon Chronicle. Email her at hpeters@mlive.com and follow her on Twitter @HLPNEWS.