MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – The head coach for the Grosse Pointe South Varsity Hockey Team, who also owns Detroit Premier Hockey, is facing a charge in an alleged sexual assault.
Benjamin Warda, 38, was charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct.
According to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, Warda allegedly sexually assaulted a woman on his boat that was docked in a St. Clair Shores marina on June 13.
Warda was arraigned in court on July 1 and was given a $50,000 bond.
He is scheduled to return to court on July 14 for a probable cause conference.
If convicted, Warda faces up to 15 years in prison.
According to Detroit Premier Hockey’s website, Warda is the head coach of the Grosse Pointe South Varsity Hockey team and the Detroit Bulldogs 9U youth hockey team.
“The Grosse Pointe Public School System was informed by law enforcement that a member of the South High School hockey coaching staff had been arrested and charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Third Degree.
Upon learning of the charges, the District immediately ensured that the individual is no longer serving in any capacity involving students or District athletic programs.
We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and will continue to do so throughout the investigation.
Because this is an active criminal investigation, our ability to comment further is limited.
Questions regarding the investigation, including the identity of the individual charged, should be directed to the St. Clair Shores Police Department.
Thank you."
Grosse Pointe Public School System