63-Year-Old Woman Charged in Alleged Sexual Assaults of Girls

A 63-year-old Michigan woman has pleaded no contest to five counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct of two young girls she was hired to babysit for seven years.

Abuse By Men and Women

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About 90% of sexual abuse is committed by men or male adolescents. Only 10% of abuse to children are made by women. Both male and female perpetrators abuse minors of any gender, however women are more likely to abuse boys while men are more likely to abuse girls.

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The sexual abuse of children by anyone is reprehensible and illegal, and those found guilty should face the full consequences of the law. Because sexual abuse is more commonly committed by men, allegations involving a woman can be especially disturbing to many people. Women are often viewed as caregivers and protectors of children, which can make allegations of sexual abuse involving a female perpetrator particularly difficult for the public to comprehend. Regardless of the perpetrator’s gender, however, the abuse of a child is a serious crime with devastating consequences for victims.

Read More: Michigan Removes 20,000+ From Sex Offender Registry

63-Year-Old Charged With Assault of Girls in Her Care

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KCBD 11 reported that 63-year-old Gaila Bennett of Midland was arraigned on 48 counts of criminal sexual conduct on October 21, 2025. Nearly a year later, Bennett has pleaded no contest to five counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct.

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Bennett allegedly abused two young girls she was babysitting from 2013 to 2020. The victims say Bennett allegedly routinely molested them, tied them up, hit them if they resisted, locked them in a basement, and even took photographs of the abuse. She is now looking at up to 15 years in prison and will formally be sentenced on November 25, 2026.

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