Former Canton Coach Pleads Guilty To Sexual Misconduct

CANTON, MI — A former Canton High School coach has pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct in connection with a relationship he had with an underage girl. Eric Christopher Locke, 20, could face up to 15 years in prison as a result of the plea. He will be sentenced on June 27 at Wayne County Circuit Court.

Earlier, Locke claimed that he believed the teenage girl was of legal age. He met the girl on the Tinder dating website. In exchange for his plea on third degree criminal sexual misconduct, the prosecutor’s office agreed to dismiss two other counts, the Canton Observer reported.

Locke was bound over for trial in April on three counts of criminal sexual conduct after waiving his preliminary examination at 35th District Court in Plymouth. Locke, a Canton resident, posted bail on a $500,000 personal bond and was free leading up to the plea.

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Locke was an assistant coach for the Canton High boys varsity hockey team, the Observer reported. A Canton High School Resource Officer received information earlier this year regarding a potential relationship between Locke and the teen. A subsequent Canton Police investigation led to Locke’s arrest in March.

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