Michigan football player Jason Brooks was charged with fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct on March 27, according to Department of Public Safety spokesperson Elizabeth Hall.
Brooks, an offensive lineman and Kinesiology first-year student who lives in West Quad Residence Hall, pled not guilty to the charges at an arraignment held later that day, said Washtenaw County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Joe Burke.
Fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, a misdemeanor, includes fondling and touching, but not penetration.
The charges against Brooks stem from an incident that occurred outside South Quad Residence Hall on Feb. 21.
Neither DPS nor the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office would discuss the details surrounding the alleged assault.
The victim reported the incident to DPS on March 10, Hall said.
Brooks was unavailable for comment and Paul Gallagher, Brooks' attorney, said he would not comment on the charges.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 15 in Washtenaw County District Court.
Vice President for Student Affairs Maureen Hartford said the University could not disclose information about any disciplinary action that may have been taken against Brooks.
"This is a part of a student's academic record, so we can't legally comment on it," Hartford said.
Hartford said University officials evaluate the circumstances surrounding criminal incidents and, at their discretion, can remove students from their residence hall or suspend them from the University.
West Quad residents said Brooks is still living in the residence hall.
Senior Associate Athletic Director Bruce Madej said he does not know if Michigan football coach Lloyd Carr has disciplined Brooks for his involvement in the alleged incident.
04-09-98
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