Canton High Coach Charged With Sexual Misconduct For Alleged Relationship With Teen

CANTON, MI. — A 20-year Canton High School coach has been charged with three counts of criminal sexual conduct stemming from an alleged relationship with an underage teen at the school. Eric Christopher Locke was arraigned yesterday at 35th District Court and is currently free on a $500,000 personal bond.

School Resource Officers received information on Monday regarding a potential relationship between Locke, an assistant coach for the Canton High varsity hockey team, and the teen, according to Canton Police. A subsequent investigation led to Locke’s arrest on Tuesday.

A probable cause hearing has been set for March 17 at the Plymouth district court. A preliminary examination will follow a week later and be held in front of Judge Ron Lowe. Each count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, Canton Police said.

While Locke is free on bond, Lowe ordered he be placed on a tether and that he also stay off of school property. The judge also ordered Locke to have no contact with minors, the Canton Observer reported.

Plymouth-Canton Community Schools Superintendent Monica Merritt issued a statement Friday saying Locke had been permanently dismissed from the district. The Canton Observer reported that Locke was employed with the district through a third party, CoachEZ.

Locke is a Canton resident.

Photo Courtesy Canton Police Department