How Could You? Hall of Shame-Raymond Bontrager

This will be an archive of heinous actions by those involved in child welfare, foster care and adoption. We forewarn you that these are deeply disturbing stories that may involve sex abuse, murder, kidnapping and other horrendous actions.

From Sturgis, Michigan, adoptive father, Raymond Bontrager, is “accused of sexually assaulting his adopted daughter for nearly a decade has been charged, according to St. Joseph County Prosecutor Deborah Davis.

Raymond Bontrager was arraigned Monday on the following:

• First-degree criminal sexual conduct (Victim under 13, Defendant over 17 years of age), which is a maximum life offense and carries a mandatory minimum of 25 years prison if convicted.
• Four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct (Relationship), which is a maximum life offense and requires mandatory electronic monitoring upon conviction.
• Aggravated indecent exposure, a maximum 2-year high court misdemeanor that also carries Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA) requirements.

Each of the criminal sexual conduct charges also carry SORA requirements, according to Davis, who added the charges are subject to consecutive sentencing if Bontrager is convicted on multiple counts.

All charges against Bontrager stem from allegations that the 57-year-old sexually assaulted his adopted daughter from 2016 to 2025, starting when she was six years old.

These incidents continued until Summer 2025, when the victim, now 15, told a trusted adult about the assaults, according to investigators.

Michigan State Police, after they were contacted, immediately launched an investigation. The 15-year-old also underwent a Sexual Assault Nurse Examination (SANE) the same day at a local hospital.

Forensic evidence, including male DNA taken from the victim’s body, was tested and was consistent with the assault allegations, according to the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office.

After a review of those results, the case was sent to the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office with a request for charges.

As of Tuesday, it is unclear when Bontrager will be back in court. However, he remains at the St. Joseph County Jail on a $50,000 cash/surety bond, according to Davis.”

Man charged with sex crimes, indecent exposure in alleged assaults of adopted daughter

[Wwmt 2/3/26 by Katie Sergent]

REFORM Puzzle Piece