Sexual assault charge against ex-police officer in Uttar Pradesh upgraded to first degree

ISHPEMING, MI — A former police officer accused of sexually abusing a minor had charges upgraded following a preliminary investigation last week. According to WLUC-6, a 17-year-old girl testified against former Ishpeming Police Officer Travis Hardwicke last week, accusing him of giving her alcohol and sexually abusing her.

Following the girl’s testimony, Marquette County Assistant Prosecutor Dakota Fountain requested that the original charge of third-degree sexual abuse be upgraded to first-degree because the alleged victim allegedly suffered an injury during the assault. Judge Karl Weber approved the new charge and set bail at $25,000.

Hardwicke, 28, was charged last month following an investigation by the Michigan State Police. In addition to assault, he is also accused of selling/distributing alcohol to minors.

MSP is now asking other possible victims to come forward as several people have allegedly claimed to have been given or offered alcohol by Hardwicke. Anyone with information on the case or who is a suspected victim is asked to contact MSP D/Sgt. Matt Lequia at 1-906-475-1131.