• Booking image of Joshua David Harding courtesy of Meridian Township Police

UPDATE: MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The preliminary exam for a man accused of the sexual assault of two children is set for April 23rd.

Registered sex offender, 34-year-old Joshua Harding has been charged with two counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the second degree, two counts of Gross Indecency, and Habitual Offender fourth. Police say the attack took place in a wooded area of East Lawn Memory Gardens on Bennett Road in Okemos.

"This offender is able to gain the confidence and trust of young people by manipulation," Meridian Township Police Lieutenant Greg Frenger said. "These kids were in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Police are encouraging parents and children to take precautions to help avoid incidents like this from happening.

Parents are encouraged to teach their children "No, Go, Yell, Tell". That is, say no, run away, yell as loud as they can, and tell a trusted adult what happened.

The National Crime Prevention Council also says to show children what areas are and are not safe, tell them to trust their instincts, and to have them travel and play in groups.






ORIGINAL STORY: MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Meridian Township Police are investigating an incident of two children being assaulted on April 1st near a wooded area at the East Lawn Memorial Garden Cemetery on Bennett Road in Okemos.

The type of assault has not been released.

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 6’0”, weighing 260 lbs. The subject is bald with a brown goatee and mustache. He was wearing a dirty white t-shirt and dark pants. The subject is believed to be
in his 50’s. Police are asking for assistance in identifying this individual. He is believed to have been in the area of the cemetery or surrounding neighborhoods at approximately 4:30 p.m. on April 1st.

Anyone with information regarding this incident can call the Meridian Township Police Department at 517-853-4800 or Crime Stoppers at 517-483-STOP.