WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. – Former Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore has pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges in connection with a case involving his alleged inappropriate relationship with a staffer as part of a plea deal.
Moore was scheduled to appear in the 14-A District Court in Washtenaw County on March 6 before Judge Cedric Simpson for an evidentiary hearing.
However, when Moore was in court on Friday, he pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor charges of malicious use of a telecommunications device involving a domestic relationship (punishable by up to six months in jail) and trespassing (punishable by up to 30 days in jail). You can watch the full hearing in the video at the top of this article.
As part of the plea, the charges he was initially issued --third-degree home invasion, stalking, and breaking and entering-- have been dismissed.
“Your Honor, we did not at the time of issuing initial charges in this matter, nor do we believe now, after additional evidence has been presented to us, do not believe that there is sufficient evidence to prove a count of domestic violence in this matter,” said Kati Rezmierski, first assistant prosecutor for Washtenaw County, during the hearing. “Not historically, and not what happened on Dec. 10. So we are obligated, as this court is well aware, legally and ethically and morally, to not charge that, which we do not think we can prove. What we do believe the evidence supports is criminal misbehavior in the context of an intimate partner relationship, and that is why that tag on is on the malicious use charge.”
Moore is scheduled to be sentenced at 2 p.m. on April 14.
His attorney, Ellen Michaels, requested that Moore’s GPS tether be removed, since the initial charges were dismissed. The judge denied the request at this time. Simpson said once Moore is interviewed by probation and the judge gets their recommendation, he will reconsider the request.
The no-contact order with the staffer also remains in effect.
“As with any case our office handles, the plea agreement was reached following evaluation of the factual, evidentiary, and legal circumstances—and the overarching need for accountability and public safety," the prosecution said in a statement after Moore pleaded no contest. “It is our hope that this resolution will ensure accountability, and allow the victim an opportunity to heal and move forward.”
The woman’s attorney released this statement following Moore’s no-contest plea:
“Today’s no-contest plea in the criminal trespassing case involving disgraced former University of Michigan head football coach Sheronne Moore represents a critical moment of acknowledgment and accountability following a frightening and deeply disturbing incident. Not surprisingly, Sheronne Moore’s no-contest plea was entered a mere days following press reports alleging his failure to report sexual assault allegations against former Michigan assistant coach LaTroy Lewis.
With the resolution of Mr. Moore’s criminal legal proceedings today, all eyes are now squarely focused on the University of Michigan, Interim President Domenico Grasso, President-Elect Kent Syverud, General Counsel Tim Lynch, and the Board of Regents to see whether they take the swift and decisive action needed to make amends for the University’s painful missteps and to restore a genuine sense of trust and respect among its employees, students, and alums.
Our client was forced to endure years of manipulation, harassment, and exploitation by a man who held enormous power over her professional life as the head football coach of one of the nation’s most prominent college football programs. The power imbalance between a powerful head coach and a subordinate employee created an environment where our client felt pressured, intimidated, and unable to escape conduct that should never occur in any workplace—let alone at a public university.
After Sheronne Moore was fired, his conduct escalated into an alarming and traumatic episode that 2 led to the criminal charges resolved today. He entered our client’s apartment without permission while behaving in an aggressive and intimidating manner while holding knives and a pair of scissors—an event that left our client fearful for her safety and deeply traumatized.
Today’s plea by Sheronne Moore confirms the seriousness of that criminal misconduct. But this case is about far more than one terrifying incident. It raises urgent and troubling questions about how a powerful figure within a major university athletic program was able to engage in years of inappropriate conduct toward a subordinate without meaningful intervention or oversight. Our client believes strongly that she may not be the only person who experienced inappropriate, coercive, or predatory behavior from this individual.
Institutions entrusted with the education and safety of students and employees have a fundamental duty to ensure that power is never used to exploit or silence others. A thorough and transparent investigation into this conduct—and any related institutional failures—must occur. Our client came forward at tremendous personal cost because she believes that silence allows abuse of power to continue. Her hope isthat by speaking out, others who may have been intimidated into remaining quiet will find the strength to share their experiences as well.
Accountability does not end with a single criminal case. It requires truth, transparency, and a commitment to ensuring that no one in a position of authority is ever permitted to abuse their power again. Our client is continuing the difficult process of healing. She remains grateful for the support she has received and hopes that her decision to come forward will help protect others in the future."
Statement on behalf of Paige Shiver by her attorneys Andrew M. Stroth and Steven A. Hart
Background
Moore was arrested on Dec. 10 after a 911 call reporting a man attacking a woman in a Pittsfield Township apartment. He was later detained and placed in protective custody by mental health professionals.
During his Dec. 12 arraignment, prosecutors said Moore and the staffer had been involved in an intimate relationship “for a number of years.”
Prosecutors said the staff member ended the relationship on Dec. 8, but Moore continued calling and texting her.
Previous coverage: 911 dispatch audio reveals events preceding firing of former Michigan football HC Sherrone Moore
Moore was fired after the staff member reported the matter to the university.
On Dec. 10, Moore allegedly went to the staff member’s apartment, grabbed “several butter knives and a pair of kitchen scissors” from a drawer, and threatened to hurt himself.
He left after the woman threatened to call her lawyer and the police, officials said.
Moore was released on a $25,000 bond and was ordered to wear a GPS tether, undergo mental health treatment, and have no contact with the woman.