NEWS RELEASE
MICHIGAN STATE POLICE
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LEELANAU COUNTY - On Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, a trooper from the Michigan State Police (MSP) Traverse City Post was dispatched to a report of a missing person. The parents of the missing person stated they had not heard from their daughter in over a week, and they were informed by their daughter’s employer that she has not been showing up for work. An investigation followed, and the missing woman returned to her residence on Aug. 9. Her roommate called the MSP and stated she had returned and been involved in a domestic violence incident in Leelanau County.
The victim was interviewed and told the trooper she had been at the residence of 44-year-old Eric Garison Aschim from Cedar since July 30. Every time she would try to leave, Aschim would restrain her. He’d taken her car keys and would not let her speak with anyone unless he could listen to her conversation. She was afraid to tell anyone what was happening because she feared there would be repercussions. She’d tried leaving three times in one day, which resulted in her being physically abused.
Aschim was arrested by the Leelanau County Sheriff’s Office on separate charges and lodged in the Leelanau County Jail.
Aschim was arraigned in the 86th District Court in Leelanau County on one count unlawful imprisonment, and one count interfering with an electronic device. He is being held with no bond. His next scheduled court appearance is on Sept. 6, 2024 at 11 a.m.
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