Charlotte landlord bound over on felony sexual conduct charges

A 77‑year‑old landlord in Charlotte, Michigan, was bound over to circuit court on felony charges of criminal sexual conduct. Joseph Fix faces one count of first‑degree criminal sexual conduct and two additional second‑degree counts, with the underlying allegation dating to August 1, 2022.

Fix was arraigned in June on the first‑degree charge before investigators added the second‑degree counts, and he was formally bound over to Eaton County Circuit Court on Friday. The preliminary examination takes place in the 56A District Court, and the case will move to the 56th Circuit Court for trial. Both courts sit at 1045 Independence Boulevard in Charlotte, and prosecution is handled by Eaton County Prosecuting Attorney Douglas R. Lloyd.

Under Michigan Compiled Laws Section 750.520b, first‑degree criminal sexual conduct is a Class A felony that carries a maximum sentence of life in prison or any term of years, while each second‑degree count carries up to 15 years in prison. The case adds to a string of Michigan matters involving alleged sexual misconduct by landlords against tenants, following similar felony bind‑overs in Potterville in 2025 and earlier DOJ civil rights lawsuits.

Read the full story at hoodline.com.