Following a two-day trial, a Charlevoix County jury convicted Landon Scott Barrett, 24, Central Lake, of assault with intent to commit great bodily harm less than murder for an incident that occurred on June 17, 2020.

The victim of the assault testified that in the early morning hours, she had given Barrett what she thought was a ride to his home. Instead, he led her to a secluded location in the north side of Charlevoix Township where he assaulted her.

She testified that he had her make numerous turns so she did not know where she was until she ended up in a location with no houses in sight. There she stopped her vehicle to let Barrett out and he assaulted her, punching her repeatedly in the side of the head and face.

He put his arm around her as he continued to assault her. The victim was able to get free from Barrett and leave her vehicle, but Barrett continued the assault, getting her to the ground and straddling her while he continued to strike her.

She escaped to her vehicle, but Barrett grabbed her and pulled her out and continued to assault her. The victim was eventually able to push Barrett off her and drive away to safety and call police.

Initially, Barrett was charged with assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct. A preliminary examination took place in the 90^th District Court and following that hearing, Barrett was bound over to trial on that charge as well as an added charge of assault with intent to commit great bodily harm less than murder.

In the 33^rd Circuit Court, Judge Roy C. Hayes granted a defense motion to quash the bindover and dismissed the assault with intent to commit sexual assault charge. The court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to show that Barrett’s assault was for a sexual purpose.

The Charlevoix County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office then requested that the Michigan Court of Appeals review that decision, however, the appellate court refused to hear the matter and the case proceeded to trial.

The crime of assault with intent to commit great bodily harm less than murder is a felony with a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison. Barrett will be sentenced in the 33^rd Circuit Court on July 16.

“All credit goes to the young woman who fought off her assailant in a remote location in the middle of the night with no one around to help or hear her,” Charlevoix County Prosecuting Attorney Allen Telgenhof said. “Then she came into the courtroom and eloquently described the terrifying event.”

“I want to thank the jury for their attention and consideration in this disturbing case. I also want to acknowledge the Charlevoix County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Charlevoix Police Department for a good investigation and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Mary Farrell who did an excellent job trying the case,” Telgenhof added.