A Dowagiac man has been found guilty of first degree criminal sexual conduct for the rape of his 14-year-old stepdaughter. Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz tells us 43-year-old Corey Devon Roddy was convicted Thursday after two difficult days of testimony. Evidence at trial established the sex crimes took place during the summer of 2017 at an apartment complex in Dowagiac. The jury heard emotional testimony from the victim, now 18 years old, who explained how Roddy forced intercourse upon her on three separate occasions, accompanied by threats and manipulation. Her testimony was corroborated by other witnesses, including an adult acquaintance of the defendant who said he heard Roddy brag about the crimes. Chief Assistant Prosecutor Tiffiny Montenegro calls the victim “a strong and brave survivor who had the courage to step up.” Fitz says the trial was originally scheduled for July of 2019, but the defendant fled to Massachusetts and had to be found and brought back. He could be sentenced to life in prison when sentenced on August 13.
