Lengthy prosecution ends with man pleading no contest to multiple counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct

Mount Clemens, MI - Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that his Office secured a long-awaited conviction in a case that spanned nine years and involved appeals to both the Michigan Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court. Anthony Joseph Veach entered a no contest plea to three counts of First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct (relationship) related to multiple accusations of sexually assaulting a family member when they were 14 and 15 years old. The plea guarantees that he will remain imprisoned for a term of years and be subject to lifetime electronic monitoring and mandatory lifetime registration on the sex offender registry, ensuring continued protection for the public.

On July 7, 2025, Veach entered no contest pleas in three separate criminal sexual conduct cases before Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Joseph Toia.

• In the first case, originating in Sterling Heights, MI, Veach pled no contest to one count of Criminal Sexual Conduct - First Degree (relationship), punishable by any terms of years up to life.
• In the second case, out of Eastpointe, MI, he pled no contest to one count of Criminal Sexual Conduct - First Degree (relationship)
• In the third case, from Warren, MI, he again pled no contest to one count of Criminal Sexual Conduct - First Degree (relationship).
• All remaining counts in each case were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

Under the terms of the plea agreement between Veach and the People, he will serve 11 to 25 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections, with the sentences running concurrently. Veach will receive credit for time served.

Although Criminal Sexual Conduct - First Degree (relationship) is punishable by any term of years up to life imprisonment, the sentencing in this case falls squarely within the Michigan Sentencing Guidelines. Given the nature of the offense and the applicable guidelines, a separate conviction would likely result in a comparable term of incarceration.

Additional sentencing terms include Veach being prohibited from having any contact with the victim or their family members during the remainder of his sentence and parole time. He will be subject to lifetime electronic monitoring, mandatory lifetime registration under the Sex Offender Registry Act, and registration under Wyatt's Law. He is also required to complete sex offender counseling.

On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 8:30 am, Veach will be sentenced by Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Joseph Toia.

Veach's sentencing will put an end to lengthy legal proceedings which began in September 2016. On Nov. 20, 2017, a jury convicted Veach on multiple charges of first and second degree Criminal Sexual Conduct. He appealed his conviction on several grounds. The issue of the court closing the courtroom without articulating the reasons on the record to allow a child to testify resulted in the Michigan Supreme Court reversing his conviction and ordering a new trial. The United States Supreme Court denied Certiorari of the case.

"The reversal of the original conviction by the State Supreme Court was a setback, but it never changed the truth or the strength of the case. Today, the defendant stood before the court and pleaded no contest to multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct, serious, life-altering crimes that devastated his victim. This plea comes not because of any weakness in our resolve, but because the overwhelming evidence remained. Justice delayed is not justice denied. Our office fought tirelessly to ensure that Veach was held accountable and faces significant consequences for his actions. We stand with the survivor, whose courage and persistence made this possible, and we remain committed to holding offenders responsible, regardless of how long the road to justice may be," stated Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.

The Macomb County Prosecutor's office represents the people. We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan. All that are accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

###

Macomb County Prosecutor's Office

Contact: Esther Wolfe

Office: 586-469-5737

Cell: 586-842-4421

Email: esther.wolfe@macombgov.org