The teenager accused of taking an Eastern Michigan University student’s backpack and then punching him in the face will face trial in February, a judge ruled Wednesday.

Jeremiah Sawyer

Jeremiah Sawyer, who was 17 when he was arrested in August, is accused of stealing a backpack at about 8:10 p.m. Aug. 24 in the Warner Building’s gymnastics room. The backpack contained a laptop computer, an iPod and other items, according to police.

Washtenaw County Trial Court Judge Archie Brown scheduled Sawyer’s trial to begin at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 6.

The 21-year-old owner of the backpack followed Sawyer outside the building and confronted him about stealing the backpack, police said. Sawyer allegedly punched the man at least four times in the face, according to police.

The victim recovered the backpack and flagged down an officer while others called police. Officers responded to West Circle Drive and arrested Sawyer at the intersection of Ann Street and North Huron River Drive, police said.

Sawyer has been charged with one count of unarmed robbery, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.

Sawyer has been previously convicted of robbery in Lucas County, Ohio. Police said he provided a false name when he was arrested.

He is being held in the Washtenaw County Jail on a $100,000 cash or surety bond. He is not allowed to return to Eastern Michigan University’s campus or have any contact with the victim.

Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.