Sentencing date set for Bough on sexual misconduct charges

By: 
JACKIE KOCH

The case of the former Tecumseh High School band director accused of criminal sexual conduct against a student may come to a close on August 11 when Judge Anna Marie Anzalone is scheduled to sentence Michael David Bough on one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Bough, 49, pleaded guilty to the charges on July 6 in Lenawee County Circuit Court and remains in the Lenawee County Jail. His bond has been $1.5 million since his arraignment in August of last year.

After Tecumseh school officials discovered the teacher and a student had sexual contact in the high school band room in July 2015, they reported the incident to Tecumseh police and the girl’s parents. Bough resigned later that month, and the Lenawee County Prosecutor’s Office issued a warrant for his arrest on five third-degree charges and one second-degree charge of criminal sexual conduct.

According to results of a police investigation, Bough and the student first had sex in November 2014 at his Raisin Township home, when she was 16 years old.

Bough underwent two psychological evaluations to determine if he was competent to assist in his own defense. The local psychiatrist who conducted the second evaluation at court expense determined he was competent, as did the state psychologist last year.

Public defender Dawn Van Dusen requested the independent psychiatric evaluation in December, citing Bough’s severe depression. He is receiving mental health treatment and has been on suicide watch since he was placed in jail.

According to a news release issued last year by Tecumseh Public Schools’ officials, “The safety of our students is — and always will be — our top priority.”

When questioned at his plea hearing, Bough admitted to as many as 20 sexual penetrations. The third-degree charge is a felony and has a maximum prison sentence of 15 years, while the fourth-degree charges are misdemeanors and can result in up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $500 each.

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Tecumseh Herald

 

110 E. Logan St.
P.O. Box 218
Tecumseh, MI 49286
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