Flint Township View

Former C-A coach charged with criminal sexual misconduct





FLINT TWP. — The Genesee County Prosecutor Office has charged a former Carman-Ainsworth employee with six counts of criminal sexual conduct -third degree – involving a student.

Jacob Thomas Weissend, 21, of Grand Blanc, a C-A graduate, was arraigned on May 25, according to documents filed in Genesee County 67th District Court. Original charges were made February 1, 2016.

C-A administration was made aware in mid-May of the allegations of inappropriate conduct against Weissend, according to a May 23 letter to parents from former C-A Superintendent Steve Tunnicliff, who has since left for a new job.

“The district immediately investigated the allegations and informed the Flint Township Police Department,” Tunnicliff said. “Additionally, the district prohibited the individual from being on school property and from having contact with any students.”

District Administrators were informed on May 23 of Weissend’s arraignment. In addition to being a volunteer softball coach this season, Weissend also was the Middle School Assistant Wrestling Coach in the 2013-14 school year and the Varsity Assistant Wrestling Coach since the 2014-2015 school year, contracted through Professional Educational Services Group, LLC., as well as working as a third shift substitute custodian for Carman-Ainsworth since February 2016.

Tunnicliff said the information was being shared with parents as a precautionary concern for student safety and well-being.

“The administration has acted immediately and appropriately regarding these allegations and we will continue to cooperate with the Flint Township Police Department and the Prosecutor’s Office,” he said. “In addition, we encourage any student or parent with concerns to contact an administrator or counselor at Carman-Ainsworth High School or the Flint Township Police Department.”

Genesee County court records indicate that a probable cause conference for the charges was held on May 31 and a notice to appear generated on June 1. No further court dates are known and Weissend’s attorney, Bernhardt Christenson, could not be reached for comment.

Court documents indicated that bond has been posted and restrictions placed on Weissend including that he does leave his residence between 11 p.m. and 6 p.m.; not be on any property owned or operated by Carman-Ainsworth schools; has no contact with anyone under age 18 without supervision; not use alcohol or other controlled substances nor work in a bar or other establishment that serves alcohol and not leave the state.

Details of the case against Weissend are not available. Generally, a charge of Criminal Sexual Conduct 3rd Degree in Michigan refers to both “Statutory Rape” and/or sex by “Force or Coercion.”

Statutory rape involves having sex with a person younger than the age of consent. A conviction incurs a sentence of up to 15 years and requirement to register as a sex offender for life, when released from prison.


Leave a Reply