Accused Benton Harbor police officer kills himself

By: ABC57 Staff

Posted: Jan 12, 2012 5:12 PM EDT | Updated: Nov 5, 2014 5:11 PM EDT

BENTON HARBOR - Jared Graves, the former Benton Harbor police officer that was accused of sexual assault has committed suicide.

Berrien County Prosecutor Arthur Cotter confirmed for ABC 57 News that Graves was found over the "lunch hour" by his wife at their Benton Township home Thursday.

Michigan State Police Detective Chuck Christiansen said police were dispatched to the home on the 1900 block of Broadway Street at around 1 p.m.

Graves was accused of forcing a woman he arrested for marijuana possession into performing sexual acts on him at the Benton Harbor Police Station. Graves was accused of having two such encounters with the woman, once in October and another time in November.

Graves resigned from his position in November amongst the allegations.

Benton Township police are investigating.

Cotter filed a motion to dismiss the case against Graves on Thursday. A court appearance for Graves was scheduled for January 17th.