Dowagiac-area man found guilty of raping home healthcare worker

CASS COUNTY, Mich. - A jury found a 58-year-old Dowagiac-area man guilty of criminal sexual conduct for the alleged rape of his home healthcare worker in August of 2022.

The jury deliberated for an hour before handing Robert Schmeltz the verdict in a Cass County court.

Last August, the home healthcare worker was on the job at Schmeltz’s house when he became physically aggressive and raped her, according to statements made in court.

When the victim’s supervisor confronted him about it, Schmeltz allegedly replied, “would you like to go to dinner?”

Schmeltz testified his actions toward the victim were consensual and that, on the day of the crime, the victim was “provocatively dressed” and came on to him, according to court documents.

The sentencing for Schmeltz is scheduled for February 9, 2024.