Charge Reduced for Chesterfield Township Man Accused of Assaulting Teen Worker

A charge against a Chesterfield Township man was reduced Monday from second-degree to fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, according to police.

Antonino Giannola, 63, was initially charged with the felony offense over the weekend, but the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office changed the charge to a misdemeanor after further reviewing the case. In this instance, second-degree CSC would have been merited if authorities considered Giannola to be in a position of authority over the 15-year-old girl who reported the attack, the Macomb County Sheriff's Office said.

“The relationship between the two was not such that they determined him to be in a position of authority over the girl," Sheriff's Lt. John Michalke said of the decision made by the Prosecutor's Office.

The man, however, was the teen's boss and the reported attack took place Friday inside his business on 21 Mile Road in Macomb Township, the Sheriff's Office said.

Giannola was formally arraigned Monday in front of Magistrate Michael Osaer in 41A District Court in Shelby Township. A $5,000/10 percent bond was set. He was ordered not to have contact with the teen, according to court officials.

If convicted of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, he could face up to two years imprisonment and/or a $500 fine. Conviction of second-degree CSC would have called for a maximum of 15 years in prison.