Breaking news … Case dismissed in sex assault

Sexual assault charges against Ibrahim Aljahim were dropped.

By Charles Sercombe
In a stunning defeat for the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, community activist Ibrahim Aljahim won’t face trial for sexually assaulting an 18-year-old male student.
After three court hearings, Hamtramck 31st District Court Judge Alexis Krot said Thursday there was not enough “credible” evidence to bind over Aljahim to Wayne County Circuit Court on two counts of first-degree sexual assault.
Aljahim’s preliminary examinations in Hamtramck were often contentious between Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor Nida Samona and Aljahim’s attorney, Roger Farinha.
Krot had to frequently admonish the two to stop interrupting each other and show professional courtesy. At one point she threatened court sanctions against the two.
The student, who is now 19 years old, is a special education student at Oakland International Academy. During his testimony, he often appeared confused during questioning by Farinha.
The Review does not identify those who say they are victims of sexual assault.
At one point, Farinha phrased a question as a double negative and basically got the student to say there was no assault.
The timeline of the alleged assault also got mixed up by the student.
Aljahim, 37, was a community liaison officer at the charter school. After being arrested, the school fired him. He is well-connected politically with local, state and national candidates and political figures.
After court was dismissed, Aljahim hugged his supporters. He declined to comment, but told The Review reporter: “Chip (referring to the reporter’s nickname), write a nice article now.”
Krot chastised the prosecutor’s office for bringing the case forward considering the unreliability of the student. She said according to a medical report from a U of M doctor, that the prosecutor’s office submitted, it was noted that the student was prone to making things up.
She noted that, while the student was clearly mentally impaired, his credibility is what undermined his testimony.
“The only thing consistent, were the constant conflicting statements,” Krot said.
Krot dismissed the charges “without prejudice” – meaning the prosecutor’s office can refile charges if new evidence is presented.
According to sources familiar with the matter, that might be the results of a DNA test that the state police lab has yet to complete.
The student testified that he was assaulted in his car, which was parked in the school parking lot. He said Aljahim performed oral sex on him, and then grabbed the student’s neck and forced him to perform oral sex.
A DNA swab was taken from the student’s penis later on the day of the alleged assault.
Nov. 21, 2019

This story was edited for clarity at 9:11 p.m. on Nov. 21.