Last week, Dustin Thomas, a 35-year-old resident of Cameron, North Carolina, was ordered to stand trial in the 9th Circuit Court on a charge of First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct. This development follows an alleged sexual assault incident from 2012 at a fraternity house in Kalamazoo County. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the decision after a preliminary examination held on February 21 in the 8th District Court before Judge Beckett Jones.
The case is being prosecuted by the Kalamazoo Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI). Thomas is accused of sexually assaulting a 21-year-old female Western Michigan University student during a party in the summer of 2012. Although evidence was collected shortly after the incident, it wasn't tested until 2016 and subsequently referred to the Kalamazoo SAKI unit for further investigation starting in 2022. Charges were filed against Thomas by this unit in December 2024.
Authorities are seeking any additional information regarding Dustin Samuel Thomas that could aid their investigation. Those with relevant details are encouraged to contact Kalamazoo County investigator Richard Johnson via email or phone at 269-569-0515.
Attorney General Nessel praised the efforts of SAKI: “The Sexual Assault Kit Initiative continues to deliver for survivors in often-difficult cold cases, and my office is proud to support their efforts.” She emphasized that their work sends "a message to survivors that even after many years, justice and accountability remain possible."
Kalamazoo County Prosecuting Attorney Jeffrey S. Getting also commended the initiative's dedication: “The work of the Kalamazoo County SAKI Team continues to impress me with its determination to hold persons accountable for their assaultive crimes.”
Thomas is scheduled for his next court appearance on March 10 before Judge Rebecca D’Angelo.
Established in 2016, Michigan's SAKI focuses on investigating and prosecuting sexual assaults linked to previously untested evidence kits. The project aims to provide victims with comprehensive re-investigations conducted sensitively and thoroughly. In collaboration with several local entities, including the YWCA of Kalamazoo, the team is currently examining over 200 cold-case sexual assaults dating from 1976 to 2015.
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Please note: For all criminal proceedings, a criminal charge is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The Department does not provide booking photos.