Benton Harbor man charged with four counts of sexual assault

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- The Michigan Attorney General's office has charged a Benton Harbor man with four counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct.

Kraig Smith, 48, was arraigned on the charges on Wednesday.

In May 2020, the attorney general's office began an investigation after a woman reported Smith had sexually assaulted her hundreds of times over 13 years.

“Coercive assault can take place in any setting,” said Nessel. “An individual should feel safe in their home with their partner. I hope this case encourages public awareness of coercive assault and makes clear that assault by a domestic partner is a crime that will be prosecuted.”

The victim said the assaults began in 2006.

Smith will be in court again on April 27.