Former Michigan football head coach Sherrone Moore will avoid a trial after reaching a plea agreement with prosecutors in a legal case that drew significant attention around the college football world.
According to a report from The Detroit Press, Moore agreed to plead no contest to malicious use of a telecommunications device and one count of trespass. Both misdemeanor charges were formally introduced Friday during a hearing before 14A District Court Judge J. Cedric Simpson. (Source)
Moore’s plea deal also led to the dismissal of three previously filed charges in the case, including a third-degree felony home invasion count.
The legal situation stems from an incident involving Moore and his former executive assistant. According to reports, the assistant previously told police that Moore entered her apartment after their two-year relationship ended. The case had been moving toward a key hearing that could have included testimony if prosecutors pursued the original charges in court.
Instead, the case shifted after additional evidence was reviewed.
First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kati Rezmierski addressed the court and explained why prosecutors changed their approach to the case.
“After additional evidence has been presented to us, [we] do not believe that there is sufficient evidence to prove account of domestic violence in this matter; not historically and not what happened on December 10,” Rezmierski said, referencing the date Moore went to the residence of the assistant.
That determination led prosecutors to dismiss the more serious accusations and move forward with the misdemeanor counts included in the plea agreement.
The case had the potential to turn into a lengthy courtroom battle for the former Wolverines head coach if it moved toward trial. Instead, the plea agreement brings the legal situation to a close without additional testimony or extended litigation.
With the agreement now finalized in court, the case is expected to conclude without a trial as Moore accepts the reduced charges.
