Crime & Safety

Man Offered Girl Selling Lemonade Cash for Sex: Police

Police said suspect, who allegedly offered teen $40 in exchange for sex, matches description of suspect in other stranger danger reports.

A 67-year-old Macomb County was arraigned Monday on charges of accosting, enticing or soliciting a child for immoral purposes after he allegedly offered money for sex to a teenaged girl selling lemonade outside her home.

Paul Rakaj of Macomb Township was arrested Friday, according to a news release from the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office.

Rakaj posted $100,000 bond on Saturday and was released. He was ordered to wear a GPS tether.

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Police said the girl, 14, was selling lemonade in the driveway of her home in the 47000 block of Blueridge Street when Rakaj allegedly approached her and tried to lure her into his van. He reportedly offered her $40 for sex.

A 38-year-old Shelby Township man who was in the area attending a garage sale told police he thought something seemed off about the encounter, so he prevented Rakaj from leaving by blocking the van with his own vehicle.

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Police say the suspect fits the description of other stranger danger complaints they’ve gotten all over Macomb County.

The investigation is continuing. Rakaj is due back in court at 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 8.

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Photo via Shutterstock

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