CSC case heads to trial

Daniel John Cook with his attorney, David Glancy.

By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor.

LUDINGTON — A 34-year-old Scottville man who pleaded guilty in 51st Circuit Court last month to second-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) in a plea deal is now headed to trial.

Judge Susan Sniegowski rejected the plea Tuesday, June 2, and Daniel John Cook’s case is set for trial June 24-26.

Cook, who was arrested last December by the Hart post of the Michigan State Police, was initially facing a first-degree CSC charge, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, and a second-degree CSC charge. The two counts were dropped in exchange for his plea to an added second-degree CSC charge of sexual contact with a child.

The plea deal required that he serve one year in jail up front; probation; no contact with the victim; and registering as a sex offender.

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