EMU freshman accused of sexually assaulting another student at campus residence hall

EMU Police Chief Greg O'Dell said Denson is accused of sexually assaulting a female acquaintance. According to O'Dell, the alleged victim reported the incident shortly after it occurred and was seen at a local hospital.

During Denson's arraignment in front of Magistrate Camille Horne, EMU Police Det. Charles Mosher asked for a high bond, saying the victim was afraid of Denson. Mosher said Denson has been given an interim suspension from school until Denson meets with the vice president of student affairs.

Denson told Horne that he's a "good guy" and didn't mean for "all this" to happen. He said he would like to know why the girl "did this" to him.

"Is it all right if I go to campus and get my clothes at least?" he asked.

Horne told Denson he would have to be escorted by law enforcement during any trips to campus. She also ordered that he have no contact with the victim.

Several of Denson's family members attended the arraignment and said they were shocked by the allegations. Denson's mother, Caren Denson, said her son is a graduate of Huron High School in Ann Arbor, where he played three varsity sports. She said he doesn't smoke, doesn't drink, has never been suspended from school or arrested. She said she was watching the news on television and drinking coffee Tuesday morning, when her son called her from jail.

She said her son told her that he and the girl have been friends for two months and he "never had any indication she felt harmed until police showed up at his room."

"He said, 'I can't believe what's happening mama. He said, 'I'm sorry. I don't know what's happening."

First-degree criminal sexual conduct is punishable by up to life in prison upon conviction. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 19.

Lee Higgins covers crime and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at (734) 623-2527 and email at leehiggins@annarbor.com.