COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County Probate Judge Kirk Kashian has agreed, to hear the prosecution’s appeal regarding a district court ruling that suppressed critical evidence in the case against Ryan Shortridge.
The original ruling, issued by District Judge Brent Weigle, suppressed portions of Shortridge’s statements to the Michigan State Police during an October 2025 investigation into child sexually abusive materials found on his cellphone.
Defense attorney Takura Nyamfukudza argued that the evidence was obtained after Shortridge requested a lawyer.
However, Chief Assistant Prosecutor Nora Geiger filed the immediate appeal, contending that Shortridge came home voluntarily, was questioned outside, and was never formally in custody, meaning Miranda warnings and the right to counsel did not apply.
The outcome of the appeal will heavily impact how the case proceeds, as reversing the decision would allow prosecutors to admit Shortridge’s phone passcode and the related photos into evidence.
Alternatively, prosecutors may present expert testimony to prove they could have accessed the cellphone data without the passcode, rendering the photos admissible regardless.
Shortridge currently remains free on a $200,000 bond with strict restrictions regarding internet use and contact with minors.
Judge Kashian is presiding over the appeal as a acting circuit judge because current Circuit Judge Zack Stempien was the prosecutor who initially filed the charges.
No trial date has been set.
Comments