Scottville man pleads guilty to 2nd-degree CSC

Daniel Cook with his attorney, David Glancy.

By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor.

LUDINGTON — A 34-year-old Scottville man pleaded guilty in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, April 14, to second-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC).

Daniel John Cook, who was arrested last December by the Hart post of the Michigan State Police, was facing a first-degree CSC charge, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, and a second-degree CSC charge. He is currently lodged in the Mason County Jail on a $50,000/cash/surety bond.

Cook is now looking at one year in jail due to a plea deal he accepted Tuesday, in which the two counts were dropped in exchange for his plea to an added second-degree CSC charge of sexual contact with a child. He will be required to serve one year in jail up front; probation; no contact with the victim; and must register as a sex offender.

Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola said the victim’s mother was present in the courtroom and in agreement with the proposed sentence.

“I touched (the victim) inappropriately without her permission,” Cook testified. “I touched her breasts inappropriately.” The victim was 11 years old at the time of sexual assault, he said.

Sentencing is set for June 2 at 1:30 p.m.