Man bound over to circuit court for allegedly sexually assaulting minor

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A man has been bound over to Macomb County Circuit Court for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor.

On Feb. 20, Shelby Township District Court Judge Stephen Sierawski bound over Joel Quintana-Dominguez, 32, to Macomb County Circuit Court. His next court hearing will be in front of Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Joseph Toia at 8:30 a.m. March 6. Quintana-Dominguez also has an immigration hold from the Department of Homeland Security.

It is alleged that on multiple occasions in 2024, Quintana-Dominguez sexually assaulted a minor. He was charged with three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a person under 13, potential life felonies.

Sgt. Kevin Bailey, of the Shelby Township Police Department, said that in 2015, Quintana-Dominguez was also investigated and arrested for indecent exposure in Shelby Township.

Neal Brand is Quintana-Dominguez’s attorney.

“I have been in touch with the chief and the officer in charge, Phillip Young, since the beginning. They have done a very thorough investigation, and I commend them for being open and transparent and willing to talk about the investigation. It has been very helpful to represent my client dealing with a law-enforcement agency like this,” he said.

He said his team recognizes that this case is extremely concerning with horrific allegations of abuse.

“I remind everybody that my client maintains his innocence and believes that once the facts are explained to a jury at trial that he will be fully exonerated. The case was bound over to circuit court on only a probable cause standard and we do not believe that the people will be able to prove that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. We are not contesting the immigration allegations in this matter at this time. It is true that the defendant does not have permission to be in the United States based on our investigation. I am an immigration attorney as well as a criminal practitioner, and if my client is exonerated in this matter, I will explore his immigration possibilities,” he said.

He said he is thankful to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office for its willingness to communicate throughout this process. After the next hearing, they will have a better understanding of the direction of the case, he said.

“We remain committed to seeking justice for the young survivor and ensuring that those who prey on the most vulnerable are held accountable,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.