Lansing Man Charged with Assaulting Minors at Michigan’s Adventure

A Lansing man who was accused of inappropriately touching young girls in the wave pool at Michigan's Adventure was arraigned in court Monday (7/24).

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Police say 39-year-old Benjamin Koche was charged with touching as many as six girls on Saturday, some under the age of 13.

Numerous Girls Came Forward

According to Fox-17, numerous victims came forward to report that Koche had touched them on the buttocks. One reported that he grabbed her by the hips and pulled her into him, and another victim said she felt Koche's genitals rubbing against her through her bathing suit.

Koche appeared in court via video Monday to face charges. He has been charged with one count of criminal sexual conduct involving a person under the age of 13 and another count of criminal sexual conduct involving a person between the ages of 13 and 15. He is due back in court on August 7.

If convicted, the man could face up to 15 years in prison and would be required to register as a sex offender.

The Muskegon County amusement park issued a statement after Koche's arrest on Saturday.

“On July 22, Michigan’s Adventure personnel received a report of inappropriate behavior by a male guest in the water park. Our security team immediately responded, with assistance from Michigan State Police.  An investigation is under way and we are cooperating fully with MSP, which has asked guests with additional information to contact them at 800-328-0911. The safety of our guests and associates is always our top priority.”