SAULT STE. MARIE — A 34-year-old Alpena man charged with several counts of criminal sexual conduct was arrested Wednesday on an ore boat as the craft was making its way through the Soo Locks.

According to the Michigan State Police, the suspect, wanted on an eight-count felony warrant, was employed aboard the lake freighter Kaye E. Barker.

His arrest was unrelated to the closure of the locks Wednesday. He has not been identified pending court appearances.

Officers at the Michigan State Police post in Alpena initiated an investigation in 2024 into allegations of criminal sexual conduct which resulted in felony charges being issued by the Alpena County Prosecutor’s Office.

As the Kaye E. Barker passed through the Soo Locks on Wednesday, troopers from the Sault Ste. Marie post and the Seventh District Fugitive Team coordinated with the captain of the Kaye E. Barker and staff from the Soo Locks.

As the boat tied up, troopers boarded the freighter, contacted the suspect, and placed him under arrest without incident.

The suspect was transported to the Alpena County Jail to be lodged.

Bud Sargent can be reached at 906-228-2500, extension 544. His email address is bsargent@miningjournal.net.