BATTLE CREEK, MI (WNWN/WTVB) – 43-year-old Steven Michael Cook has been convicted by a Calhoun County Jury of First and Second Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct following a four-day trial.
The jury deliberated about five hours before returning their verdict in this 2018 case in which Cook was accused of the crimes involving a child under the age of 13.
Firtst Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct has a maximum penalty of up to life in prison.
Second Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct has a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
Both offenses require him being placed on the Sex Offender Registry.
Sentencing is scheduled on November 10, 2022, before Judge Sarah S. Lincoln.
As the victim was under 13 and Mr. Cook was over 17 years of age at the time of the offense, the 1st Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct charge requires a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 25 years in prison.
