Ivery Cross, a Niles police officer accused of sexually assaulting an inmate at the Niles Law Enforcement Complex, has been kicked off the force.

Niles Police Chief Ric Huff confirmed Wednesday that Cross’ employment was terminated as of March 30 for “violation of policies.” Huff declined to specify the policies Cross had violated.
Cross, who was arraigned in Berrien County Trial Court the day after his firing, is charged with one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, three counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of misconduct in office.
The alleged offense took place March 17 and involved a 19-year-old male, who Cross had arrested for possession of marijuana. According to a press release from Berrien County Prosecutor Art Cotter, the alleged assault took place in a bathroom in the LEC.
Berrien County Assistant Prosecutor Steve Pierangeli confirmed Wednesday that Cross has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
But court documents reveal that Cross allegedly admitted “to touching the victim in genital areas on one occasion after asking him to masturbate in his (Cross’) presence” during an interview with Michigan State Police Detective Mike Spring.
The documents also indicate that Cross has posted a $100,000 bond, so he is allowed to be free on tether.
Efforts to reach Cross’ defense attorney, Andre Gammage, have been unsuccessful.
The investigation of Cross is being done by the Michigan State Police. Spring told the Star on Monday that he hadn’t received video surveillance footage from March 17. But Huff said the surveillance tape is property of the state police and they are in possession of it.
Huff and Spring said they don’t know what is on the tape at this point, but it’s unlikely the alleged assault was documented since the bathroom facilities are out of camera range.
Cross is scheduled to appear in Berrien County Trial Court in Niles for a preliminary hearing at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.