Man facing sex charges involving girl, 12
Barron Dukes is being held in Macomb County Jail
A Madison Heights man faces multiple sex-related charges involving a girl in the city after police say he first contacted her on social media.
Suspect Barron Dukes, 30, is currently being held in Macomb County
Jail for violating probation on a drug conviction.
Oakland County prosecutors have issued warrants charging Dukes with first-degree criminal sexual conduct, punishable by up to life in prison, child sexually abusive activity, a 20year felony, two counts of using a computer to commit a crime, and possessing child sexually abusive material, a four-year felony.
Madison Heights police Lt. David Koehler said they learned of the allegations after the girl and her parents contacted police last month.
“The allegations are that (the suspect) made contact with the girl on social media and began requesting and sending sexually explicit photos,” Koehler said.
Dukes contacted the girl through Instagram, Snapchat and sent texts requesting the explicit photos of the girl, and also sent her sexually explicit photos of himself, police said.
The suspect and the girl also met up, police said.
“They met through mutual acquaintances in multiple places,” Koehler said. “They had in-person contacts at multiple locations in Madison Heights.”
Oakland County prosecutors issued the charges against Dukes on Nov. 17.
Police are investigating whether Dukes was also involved in similar incidents with other girls.
“We believe there may be other minors he may have had contact with,” Koehler said, “and we’d like to see them come forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Madison Heights Detective Sgt. Greg Hartunian, 248-837-2737, or the Madison Heights Police Department at 248585-2100.
Police said the victim in the case knew the suspect and his name.
He was due to be finished with probation for a 2021 conviction for possession of methamphetamine in Macomb County Circuit Court on Nov. 28, but his probation was revoked when the Oakland County sex crime charges were issued.
A date for Dukes arraignment in Madison Heights is pending, Koehler said.
The suspect has a criminal history, according to Michigan Department of Corrections records.
He was convicted in Macomb County Circuit Court in 2012 of armed robbery, conspiracy to rob, and felony firearm charges.
Dukes was released from prison in June 2022.
Police said he had been living with a friend in Madison Heights until the probation in Macomb County was revoked.