Court Watching: Second charge added for accused sex offender in City of Belleville

Matthew Lee Morton of Westland was charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct first degree (person under 13) on Feb. 13, 2021 in the City of Belleville. His probable cause conference was held March 9 before 34th District Court Judge Lisa Martin and his preliminary exam set for March 28. Prosecutor Ragan Lake said she expected to have two witnesses testify. The exam was adjourned until April 19.
His bond was set at $50,000/10% and if he is released he must have no contact with the victim and cannot return to an address on West Columbia Ave.
At the exam the charge of Criminal Sexual Conduct second degree was added to the original charge. The defendant was bound over to circuit court for an April 26 arraignment on the information. Judge Martin refused the prosecutor’s request to add a GPS tether.