WEBANDREW A BLASS (1).JPG
Andrew Aaron Blass
BROOKLYN, MI – A 26-year-old Brooklyn man was sentenced to a minimum of six years in prison for coercing a woman with a mental disability into having sexual intercourse, according to court documents.
The 19-year-old victim, who the Citizen Patriot is not naming, has the mental capacity of a 6 to 10 year old, according to police.
Andrew Aaron Blass was originally charged with one count of first degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of second degree criminal sexual conduct. He pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of criminal sexual conduct in the third degree on July 31 before Jackson County Circuit Judge John McBain.
He could serve a maximum of 15 years in prison, but won’t be eligible for parole until he serves at least six years. He has been lodged at the Jackson County Jail since March 29.
Jackson County Prosecutor Jerry Jarzynka said the two met while working together at a restaurant. Blass was the supervisor of the victim. Jarzynka said Blass took advantage of the woman’s mental state when coercing her to have sex.
“Our position is that he (Blass) knew of the victim’s mental state and exploited that,” Jarzynka said. “It was a terrible violation of the victim.”
The Columbia Township Police Department conducted the initial investigation. Based on the investigation, it was determined the sexual assaults took place in Leoni and Napoleon townships.
The incidents took place on or about Jan. 1 through Feb. 28, according to court documents.
Blass was arrested by the Columbia Township police on July 31.
Jarzynka said Blass will have to report as a sexual offender for the rest of his life.