Man accused of having sex with minor, arson returns to court in 2 weeks
The man accused of having sex with a 14-year-old girl in an elevator in a University of Michigan parking structure before lighting it on fire will return to court in two weeks.
Darion Cole-Hickonbottom
Courtesy of the Washtenaw County Jail
Darion Cole-Hickonbottom, 23, was scheduled to appear in the Washtenaw County Trial Court Thursday. Court officials said his hearing was adjourned and he’ll return to court for a pretrial hearing at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 14.
According to University of Michigan police, Cole-Hickonbottom went through the South Forest Avenue parking structure with a 14-year-old-girl on July 22. They checked cars, looking to steal from them, and are accused of taking clothing and an Xbox controller.
They then went to the parking structure on Church Street and allegedly had sex in an elevator. Police said they had cardboard on the floor of the elevator and started a fire with it and an item of clothing they had stolen.
According to police, Cole-Hickonbottom made a call to police from one of the emergency boxes near the structure. He was interviewed and police arrested him for causing approximately $3,000 in damage to the elevator.
Cole-Hickonbottom is charged with arson, third-degree criminal sexual conduct and larceny from a motor vehicle. The girl, who is a juvenile and whose identity is not being released, was charged with arson.
Cole-Hickonbottom is charged with two other counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct for allegedly having sex with the girl between July 20 and July 22 at Veterans Memorial Park in Ann Arbor. He’s lodged in the Washtenaw County Jail on a $250,000 bond.
Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.
Comments
anti-thug
Mon, Feb 4, 2013 : 2:10 a.m.
sound like they where playing with fire but the flames got out of control , typical kids stuff..it not like they where trying be menacing.....he had the mind a child. I hope they have good lawyers just like rich kids do. ;)
njneere
Sat, Feb 2, 2013 : 4:51 p.m.
And I'm not by any means condoning what he did.
njneere
Sat, Feb 2, 2013 : 4:50 p.m.
I'm sure she was the picture of innocence...
G-Man
Sat, Feb 2, 2013 : 2:15 p.m.
So whose underwear did they burn?
Jen Goodman
Fri, Feb 1, 2013 : 9:42 p.m.
How in the world can you write this entire article without the word rape? One does not "have sex with" a 14 year old child. "Third degree criminal sexual conduct" is that what we're calling statutory rape these days? I guess the bright side is at least he is being charged? Stop being so afraid to call it what it is.
Jen Goodman
Fri, Feb 1, 2013 : 10:36 p.m.
Thank you for your response Kyle. There is much discussion these days about "rape culture" and I just had to point out this perfect example of it: the fact that you didn't think much about the word choice speaks for itself. I'm not trying to bash on you; waaaaay too many other writers do this too. I hope you consider this for future reference. Yes, even in dear A2 rape happens all the time and we do need to be aware of the language we use around it. Yeah, I get you still HAVE to call it "alleged" at this time.
Kyle Feldscher
Fri, Feb 1, 2013 : 10:25 p.m.
Jen - I'm not saying that it's a justification and I completely understand your point. It is, legally, alleged rape, even if it was a consensual act. I was just pointing out that, contrary to what some commenters post, I do not gloss over details because crimes take place in a certain city or in a certain place. Honestly, it was just word choice and not something I thought about while writing this. I recognize this is an alleged crime - that's why we wrote about it and that's why this man faces a felony charge.
Jen Goodman
Fri, Feb 1, 2013 : 10:19 p.m.
So Kyle - if you use the word rape in other articles, somehow that justifies not using it here? Not once but four separate times referring to rape as "sex"? A 14 year old cannot consent to sex with an adult, and likewise a 23 year old has no business putting his hands or anything else on a child. The man is a predator. Let's use the real words for the real thing that's happening here and not paint this girl as just an accomplice to arson.
Kyle Feldscher
Fri, Feb 1, 2013 : 10:06 p.m.
djm - Before saying if I don't use the word rape then there is no rape in Ann Arbor, I would encourage you to read this story, which has been on our homepage since last night. http://www.annarbor.com/news/crime/woman-to-her-rapist-nothing-can-vindicate-your-actions/
djm12652
Fri, Feb 1, 2013 : 9:48 p.m.
If the word rape is not used...then there is no rape in Ann Arbor...follow? No other crimes either...just misinterpretations of actions...[insert sarcasm here]
Superior Twp voter
Fri, Feb 1, 2013 : 6:41 p.m.
We just had a full moon, and all the crazy crime stories are popping.
BobbyTarsus
Fri, Feb 1, 2013 : 6:41 p.m.
Pretrial hearing on Feb. 14th for CSC? how utterly ironic.
lefty48197
Fri, Feb 1, 2013 : 6:35 p.m.
At least he called the cops to report the fire.
anti-thug
Mon, Feb 4, 2013 : 2:04 a.m.
yes he was responsible in that way , it shows that at-lest he has something in his head.
Billy
Fri, Feb 1, 2013 : 5:30 p.m.
Ah so we finally get a follow up to this little event.... Um...lol?