COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Former Quincy school teacher Jason Ferrell waived both his Branch County District Court probable cause hearing and a preliminary exam Thursday.
His criminal sexual conduct cases were bound over to Branch County Circuit Court where a pre-trial conference was scheduled for June 19, 2017.
A bond reduction request by Ferrell’s attorney Gary Gabry of Portage was denied by District Court Judge Brent Weigle who said he was concerned about the protection of the public if the $300,000 bond was posted. Gabry and Scott Smith from the Prosecutors Office disagreed over several matters including whether or not Ferrell would be a flight risk if he posted bond.
Ferrell formally entered not guilty pleas to six charges of criminal sexual conduct including two first degree counts.
Gabry told reporters after the hearing that he hopes a jury is seated that will hear evidence and actual facts, not rumors or hysteria. He said his client is not doing great but he has people who believe in him.
When asked about pre-trial publicity, Gabry said a change of venue request is still on the table.
Ferrell is facing CSC charges in both Branch and Calhoun Counties following alleged incidents involving one of his former female students. He taught in the Quincy School District for 20 years before resigning last January when he was confronted with allegations of improper behavior by school officials.
