Prosecutors dismiss sex assault charges against Ingham County doctor, lawsuit still pending

LANSING — Sexual assault charges against an Ingham County doctor were dismissed Thursday, according to court records. 

Michael Estes, a doctor in Ingham County who also works at Intessa Medical Marijuana Card Clinic in Alaiedon Township near Mason, was originally charged in 2020 with three counts of fourth-degree sexual assault and one count of third-degree sexual assault.

He was accused of sexually harassing and sexually assaulting a female employee. 

But prosecutors dismissed charges after receiving new information that caused them to reevaluate the case, said Ingham County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Mike Cheltenham. They dismissed charges after determining they couldn't prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt, he added.

Estes' attorney, Jennifer Kuiper-Weise, said in 2020 the woman has credibility issues and there was not enough evidence to pursue the case.

The woman has also filed a personal protective order and a lawsuit against Estes. The lawsuit remains pending. 

Estes' medical license is suspended while a complaint against him to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory affairs, which licenses doctors in Michigan, is investigated. The licensing complaint is regarding the same allegations as the criminal case, state records show. 

His license has been suspended since June 2021. 

Contact reporter Kara Berg at 517-377-1113 or kberg@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter @karaberg95.