Known Sex Offender Arrested in Downtown Royal Oak

A 19-year-old Warren man with a history of indecent exposure convictions was arraigned before Judge Terrence Brennan in 44th District Court in Royal Oak on Wednesday.

Police say Donovan Joseph Butkovich was arrested for exposing himself near Sixth and Lafayette at approximately 7:50 a.m. Sunday. He faces a charge of indecent exposure by a sexual delinquent person, which is a felony carrying a possible sentence ranging from one day to life in prison. 

Butkovich was running to a black Cadillac CTS when he was stopped by a Royal Oak police officer.

“One of our officers saw (Butkovich) running and looking behind himself and thought something didn’t look right. He was stopped to find out what was going on,” said Sgt. William Sawyer of the Royal Oak Police Department.

A separate patrol car arrived to assist and noticed a woman signaling for help. The woman indicated a man exposed his genitalia and had fondled himself in front her, Sawyer said.

Police later determined Butkovich is a registered sex offender with two previous convictions—aggravated indecent exposure and indecent exposure—in the 16th Circuit Court in Macomb County.  He also has a third previous conviction for indecent exposure in the 39th District Court in Fraser, MI. 

Butkovich also faces a minor in possession of alcohol charge, which is a misdemeanor. 

Bond was established at $50,000 cash.  Butkovich's pre-exam conference is scheduled for Jan. 11 at 9 a.m.