Martin man charged with sexual battery

Michael Anthony Wilkes

Story by Shannon Taylor Senior Investigative Reporter

On Dec. 29 at 3 p.m., the Martin Police Department began investigating a report of sexual battery.

The victim advised that on Dec. 21, 57-year-old Michael Anthony Wilkes, had touched her on her vaginal area while asleep and that she was awakened by his actions and that his actions were unwanted and without her consent.

The investigation revealed that the incident occurred at the Eagle Inn Motel on Lindell Street and upon interviewing Wilkes and advising him of his Miranda Rights, he agreed to waive his right to legal counsel and provide a statement.

During the course of the interview Wilkes admitted to sexually touching the victim without her consent.

Wilkes was arrested and charged with sexual battery.

Wilkes is on the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry as a violent offender with the offense of criminal attempt to commit rape. The charge in 2006 of aggravated rape was bound over to the grand jury which resulted in a guilty plea of a lesser charge of criminal attempt to commit rape. The charges of rape and statutory rape were given a disposition of Nolle Prosequi which is a Latin phrase meaning “will no longer prosecute.” It means a dismissal of charges by the prosecution.

Wilkes is currently being held at the Weakley County Jail.

DISCLOSER: Information obtained came from the Martin Police Department affidavit provided by Investigator Sarah Turner and the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry.