COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Former Quincy school teacher Jason Ferrell entered no contest pleas to two counts of third degree criminal sexual conduct in Branch County Circuit Court on Monday.
Ferrell was charged after he had sexual relations in 2016 with a former female student of his.
Third degree criminal sexual conduct carries a maximum sentence of 15 years. Defense attorney James Champion did not talk to reporters outside the Branch County Courthouse but he gave a thumbs up when asked if the sentences on the two counts would be concurrent.
In exchange for Ferrell’s pleas, two other 3rd Degree CSC counts as well as two 1st Degree CSC charges would be dismissed by prosecutors. In addition, prosecutors will pursue no further charges pertaining to the victim in these cases.
Ferrell was scheduled to go on trial next Tuesday. Sentencing is scheduled for January 29th. Ferrell remains in custody at the Branch County Jail.
He has also been charged with three C.S.C. counts in Calhoun County but no court hearings have been held in that county since he was arrested.
