Wednesday, November 8, 2023

PONTIAC, Mich. - On Monday, November 6, 2023, an Oakland County jury convicted 26-year-old Austin Martin Batzer of eleven felony charges brought against him by the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, including eight counts of 1st Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct, one count of 2nd Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct, one count of Unlawful Imprisonment, and one count Assault with Intent to go Great Bodily Harm.

Batzer was accused of raping and assaulting the victim at the request of a man who had been trafficking her because she was not making him enough money. Batzer threatened to harm the victim with a saw and repeatedly sexually assaulted her. The victim managed to escape out of a window at 2:00 am and a neighbor called the police.

Assistant Prosecutor Jasleen Singh led the trial team for the Prosecutor’s Office alongside Trafficking Unit Leader Cindy Brown.

“I commend the immense bravery of the victim for coming forward and testifying against her abuser throughout the duration of this case,” stated Oakland County Prosecutor KAREN D. McDONALD. “It is incredibly difficult to stand up against your abuser or trafficker. Her strength is what allowed us to secure 11 felony convictions and make our community safe from the defendant.”

“This guilty verdict is another step towards justice for the victims of these horrific crimes,” said Homeland Security Investigations Detroit Special Agent in Charge Angie M. Salazar. “Our HSI special agents and partners will continue to investigate human trafficking in our communities, hold offenders accountable, and support victims.”

1st Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct is a felony punishable by life imprisonment, mandatory lifetime electronic monitoring, and mandatory AIDS/STD testing. 2nd Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct is a felony punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment, mandatory AIDS/STD testing, and DNA to be taken upon arrest. Unlawful imprisonment is a felony punishable by 15 years imprisonment and/or up to a $20,000 fine. Assault with Intent to go Great Bodily Harm is a felony punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and/or up to a $5,000 fine and DNA to be taken upon arrest.

Batzer will remain at the Oakland County Jail until sentencing, which is scheduled for December 11, 2023, at 1:30 pm before Judge Rowe.

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Contact: ocpomedia@oakgov.com