ALPENA COUNTY — Michigan State Police troopers from the Gaylord Post began investigating a criminal sexual conduct complaint in Green Township in July 2025 that led to the arrest of a 78-year-old Vanderbilt man.
Per a Jan. 7 news release from the post, Thomas Serino was arrested Dec. 30 on criminal sexual conduct charges and was transported to the Alpena County Jail, where he was lodged without incident, according to Michigan State Police.
Troopers said they learned during the investigation that Serino is a known landlord in the Gaylord, Vanderbilt and Hubbard Lake areas and that he allegedly sexually assaulted a woman on two separate occasions.
Serino was arraigned Jan. 2 in the 88th District Court in Alpena County on one count of criminal sexual conduct second degree (multiple variables) and one count of criminal sexual conduct second degree assault.
He was given a $25,000 cash or surety bond. His next scheduled court appearance is Jan. 12 at 2 p.m.
During Serino’s time as a landlord, police said it was noted he had close contact with other individuals. Michigan State Police asked any additional potential victims to contact Trooper Kennedy of the Gaylord Post at 989-732-2778.
The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.