MIDLAND COUNTY, MI – Michigan State Police have charged 63-year-old Gaila Bennett of Lee Township with 47 felony counts after investigators say she sexually assaulted multiple female children under the age of 13 between 2013 and 2020.
According to MSP, Bennett allegedly medicated the children, sexually assaulted them, and took photos of the abuse at her home in Lee Township.
She was arraigned before Magistrate Gerald Ladwig in Midland County District Court and is currently lodged in the Midland County Jail on a $5 million bond.
Bennett faces the following charges:
- 24 counts of First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct with a child under 13
- 12 counts of Second-Degree CSC with a child under 13
- 11 counts of Assault with Intent to Commit Sexual Penetration
The maximum penalty for 1st degree CSC is life in prison. The CSC 2nd child under 13 is up to 15 years in prison and Assault with Intent to Commit Sexual Penetration is up to 10 years in prison.
The case began after a woman contacted Michigan State Police on October 5 reporting that she suspected her children had been abused. During interviews, one victim told troopers the assaults happened nearly every day that Bennett babysat her, starting when she was in kindergarten.
Another victim said Bennett encouraged her to shower, then entered the shower naked and assaulted her, allegedly putting soap in the child’s eyes before touching her.
A third victim said Bennett sexually assaulted her in a basement bedroom and that when she refused, Bennett would strike or tie her up with rope.
Bennett is in jail on a $5,000,000 bond. Her next court date is scheduled for November 4.
