Macomb prosecutor: Doctor accused of masturbating in front of Sterling Heights woman, 76

The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office announced Monday that a doctor is accused of making sexual advances to a 76-year-old woman, then masturbating in front of her when she rebuffed him.

Stephen Bruce Mason, of Detroit, was arraigned Friday on assault and aggravated indecent exposure, both misdemeanor offenses, the prosecutor's office stated in a release. The assault charge is a 93-day misdemeanor while the other offense is a two-year, high court misdemeanor, according to the release.

Messages were left Monday for his attorney listed in court records.

The prosecutor's office release said Mason drove the woman, whom he befriended online, home from a hair appointment on Aug. 1. She invited the 53-year-old into her home and while inside the home, he made sexual advances on her, but she rejected them, according to the release. He then is accused masturbating in front of her.

The woman lives in Sterling Heights, and the alleged incident took place at her home, said Dawn Fraylick, communications director for the prosecutor's office. She said the woman was not physically injured.

Sterling Heights Police Capt. Mario Bastianelli told the Free Press on Monday the two met on a dating app. He did not know how long they were in communication before they decided to meet. The first time they met was Aug. 1, he said, when Mason brought the woman home from her hair appointment at a salon in Warren.

Bastianelli said the woman asked Mason to leave after the incident, which she reported to police the same day.

Neither Bastianelli nor Fraylick knew what type of doctor Mason is or where he practices. Bastianelli said the incident had nothing to do with Mason's employment or him acting in the capacity of a doctor. He said Mason has been cooperative during the investigation.

Bastianelli and Fraylick said they were not aware of other victims. If anyone has additional information or there are other allegations of a crime against Mason, Bastianelli said, people should call the detective bureau at 586-446-2825.

Mason was arraigned in 41A District Court in Sterling Heights, where a $1,000 personal bond was set. A not guilty plea was entered, according to court records. A probable cause conference is scheduled for Aug. 22, and a preliminary exam is set for Aug. 29, per the court records.

"Our legal system does not discriminate based on profession or social standing," Prosecutor Peter Lucido said in his office's release. "Whether you are a doctor or any other member of the community, the law applies equally to everyone. We are dedicated to pursuing justice impartially, ensuring that all individuals are held accountable for their actions."

Contact Christina Hall: chall@freepress.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @challreporter.

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