Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan — The Chippewa Prosecutor’s Office announces that on July 23, 2026, a jury found Aaron Trevor Lehre guilty as charged of three counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the First Degree and one count of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Second Degree. The convictions stem from the repeated sexual abuse of a child who was under the age of 13 between February 28, 2024, and February 28, 2025.
Following a jury trial in the 50 th Judicial Circuit Court, jurors returned guilty verdicts on all four counts after hearing testimony and reviewing the evidence presented during the trial.
The evidence established that the defendant repeatedly sexually assaulted the victim, who was nine years old at the time of the offenses. The jury found the defendant guilty of three counts of First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct involving sexual penetration of a person under the age of 13 by a defendant who was 17 years of age or older, and one count of Second-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct involving sexual contact with a person under the age of 13 by a defendant who was 17 years of age or older.
This case was presented to the jury by Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kristin M. Giommi with the assistance of Sault Ste. Marie Police Department Detective Phillip Donnay. “This verdict reflects the careful consideration of the evidence by the jury and represents an important step toward justice for the victim,” said Prosecutor Robert L. Stratton. “These cases require extraordinary courage from child victims who are asked to recount deeply traumatic experiences in a courtroom. We are grateful for the victim’s strength in coming forward and for the thoughtful service of the jurors who fulfilled their
duty by carefully evaluating the evidence presented during trial.”
The Prosecutor’s Office also recognizes the efforts of the law enforcement officers, the Mashkawizii Child Advocacy Center, the Prosecutor’s Office Victim Advocate, and Department of Health and Human Services support professionals who assisted the
victim and her family throughout the investigation and court proceedings.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 13, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. before Honorable James P. Lambros of the 50 th Judicial Circuit Court.
Robert L. Stratton, III
