Man Accused in Royal Oak Kidnapping Attempt Headed to Trial

A Bloomfield Hills man charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old Royal Oak girl and trying to lure her into his vehicle was recently ordered to stand trial.

Oakland County Circuit Court records show Derek Wallin, 24, was bound over for trial on one count of attempted kidnapping, and one count criminal sexual conduct — fourth degree, following a preliminary hearing on Nov. 2. He remained at the Oakland County Jail Thursday on $100,000 bond.

Authorities accuse Wallin of trying to lure a 14-year-old girl into his silver Chevrolet Camaro in the area of Normandy and Tonawanda streets in Royal Oak at about 4:30 p.m. Oct. 6. The girl was walking alone in the area when he approached and offered her a ride and marijuana, police said.

The girl refused and continued walking toward her home while she called her mother on her cell phone. Police said Wallin approached the girl from behind a short time later, grabbed her, picked her up and fondled her The girl struggled to free herself and screamed for her mother to call the police.

Officers responded and located the Camaro, but lost it before they could stop the driver for questioning. They determined the vehicle was registered to a Bloomfield Hills address and requested officers with the Bloomfield Hills Department of Public Safety assist them with Wallin's arrest, Chief Rick Matott said.

Jim Williams, Wallin's attorney, said all the facts have not been presented in court yet and it's too early to pass judgement.

"It's a sad case for everyone involved," he said Thursday. "But there's more to a case than what you hear from police and prosecutors. This case is no different."

Williams declined to elaborate and said he will save his arguments for court.

Wallin faces a pre-trial hearing before Circuit Judge James Alexander on Nov. 14, records show. If convicted, he could face a a maximum five-year prison sentence for attempted kidnapping, and up to two years in the Oakland County Jail on the misdemeanor sexual assault charge.