Weeks after release, man faces new charge

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February 9, 2009

William Tooley recently served sentence for accosting minor, CSC

By ART BUKOWSKI The Record Eagle Tue Feb 10, 2009, 09:55 AM EST

BEULAH -- William R. Tooley might serve more time behind bars.

Tooley spent a few months in the Benzie County Jail late last year after he pleaded no contest in September to accosting a minor for immoral purposes and fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, charges tied to a single young male victim.

Investigators believe Tooley molested several boys, but other charges were dismissed or not brought as part of a plea deal brokered by former Benzie Prosecutor Anthony Cicchelli. Tooley, of Frankfort, served his sentence and was released just before the New Year.

Michigan State Police Trooper Rick Doehring arrested Tooley last week on a fresh charge of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, a two-year misdemeanor. Doehring said the new charge is tied to a victim Cicchelli knew about, but for whom he declined to issue charges.

The new arrest was gratifying, Doehring said, especially in the wake of harsh sentiments in the Benzie County community about Tooley's October plea.

"It felt good," Doehring said. "We've heard it here, too. There were a lot of people that weren't satisfied with the deal that was reached before. Hopefully this brings a little bit of closure for people ... we didn't forget about it."

New Prosecutor John B. Daugherty, who won election and took office Jan. 1, authorized the new charge.

Tooley was living in a hotel in Honor at the time of the recent arrest, Doehring said. He previously worked as a maintenance man at the Betsie Bay Inn in Frankfort. His alleged victims were family members or friends of the family, investigators said.

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