EMU freshman accused of sexually assaulting another student at campus residence hall
An Eastern Michigan University freshman is accused of sexually assaulting another student at Phelps Residence Hall on campus Monday night, EMU police said.
Michael Lawrence Denson, 18, is being held on a $100,000 cash or surety bond after being arraigned this afternoon at the Washtenaw County Jail on one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and three counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct.
Michael Denson
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.
Comments
hrman
Mon, Apr 18, 2011 : 10:43 p.m.
I went to high school with this kid, and he was one of the nicest guys I knew. Feel free to jump to your own conclusions, but I know that this must have been a misunderstanding because he is honestly a good person.
chris
Sun, Apr 17, 2011 : 7:41 p.m.
Don't judge someone If you do not know both sides of the story.
justice
Sat, Apr 16, 2011 : 4:01 p.m.
This article is very one sided. Of corse no mother wants to believe their son is a rapist, the truth will be told on his court date. Its also very common for the rapist to call the victim a liar and thats what it sounds like here. " He said he would like to know why the girl "did this" to him." So what he played three varsity sports...it doesn't make him a good person. All i can say is the proof is probably in the pudding if the victim went to hospital....
Jill
Fri, Apr 15, 2011 : 8:07 p.m.
A friend of mine was recently sexually assaulted, and the guy said all the same things (while he was going around threatening the victim when he thought no one would find out). I won't jump to the conclusion that he's guilty, but I am sure as hell not going to jump to the conclusion that he's a good guy just based on what a news article says-- oh, please!
matt
Thu, Apr 14, 2011 : 9:53 p.m.
People need to stop jumping to negative conclusions about this kid. Michael is a good guy and from the story it seems like the girl gave him no indication that she was uncomfortable.
Wolf's Bane
Thu, Apr 14, 2011 : 12:22 p.m.
They better not let him out on his own recognizance. Please.
RJA
Thu, Apr 14, 2011 : 12:39 a.m.
Don't most all parents think our kids can do nothing wrong? We just never know do we? When a female is afraid of someone it is most often a REAL fear.