MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – An Ely Township man was found guilty by jury on April 18 of criminal sexual conduct with a person under the age of 13.
Bruce Lee Ilves, 74, was found guilty of second degree CSC, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, after a three-day jury trial. He was arrested and charged in November 2022 after police say he was found to have criminal sexual contact with a minor under the age of 13 within the past year. Ilves was convicted of this same crime in 2003.
The Marquette County Prosecutor’s Office says because of his prior conviction, Ilves will face a minimum five-year prison sentence. Ilves is scheduled to be sentenced on July 9, 2024 at 1 p.m.
The prosecutor’s office says a witness testified at the trial regarding prior sexual abuse by Ilves when she was a minor. Prosecutors commended the victim for her bravery in testifying.
Marquette County Assistant Prosecutor Jill Hoffman prosecuted the case on behalf of the People of the State of Michigan. The case was investigated by Detective Jason Hart of the Marquette County Sheriff’s Office.
