Mannequin fetish

The attorney for a Detroit man with a sexual fetish for mannequins says his client is a good man who could function in society if he got psychiatric help.

"He's never hurt anyone," said Edward Cohn, an Oakland County lawyer. "He just has this problem that he needs to address."

Ronald A. Dotson, 39, recently got into trouble again, days after being paroled from prison. He already has six convictions in 13 years for breaking into stores to steal mannequins, Cohn said, but never received counseling or medication in prison.

Dotson, whose preliminary examination was adjourned Thursday in Ferndale District Court after Cohn asked for a psychiatric evaluation, was most recently arrested Oct. 9. He allegedly smashed a window at a cleaning-supply company on Woodward Avenue to steal a female mannequin in a French maid's uniform, Ferndale Police Lt. Norm Raymond said.

Dotson had been paroled Oct. 3 on a previous breaking-and-entering conviction in Oakland County.

According to police and Cohn, Dotson has admitted he has an erotic interest in mannequins. He is in custody after violating his probation with this latest charge. Dotson, who is unmarried, also is unemployed, his attorney said. "He just has an issue with mannequins," Cohn said. "He's not a bad guy."

Raymond said an officer on Oct. 9 recognized Dotson from previous thefts, including one a few years ago when he allegedly tried to take a female mannequin.

Dotson is charged with one count of attempted breaking and entering for the most recent incident, Raymond said. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison on the felony charge.

Chief Deputy Oakland County Prosecutor Deborah Carley said Friday that she's never seen such a case before. "It's very bizarre."

He's jailed on $15,000 bond.