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Updates on Michigan State-centered court cases

November 12, 2019
<p>The East Lansing Police Department, photographed on Aug. 23, 2019. </p>

The East Lansing Police Department, photographed on Aug. 23, 2019.

Photo by Matt Zubik | The State News

Content warning: This article contains some sensitive descriptions.

Four important East Lansing cases with charges including assault with intent to commit sexual penetration, a moving violation resulting in a death, lying to authorities and threats of terrorism were rescheduled within the last week.

Among the defendants involved with rescheduling were Adam Young, Aaron Gerard, Rami Souguir, Jennifer Spicer and Kathie Klages.

Aaron Gerard with charges up to life in prison

MSU student Aaron Gerard is accused of rape in an incident where he lured a man to his dorm room under the guise of meeting MSU quarterback Brian Lewerke.

His charges include kidnapping and assault with intent to commit sexual penetration.

Gerard is scheduled to go to court on Dec. 12 for a pre-examination prior to his preliminary examination on Dec. 19, according to 54B District Court records.

Gerard faces up to life in prison and a fine of up to $50,000 if found guilty of kidnapping. As for the assault charge, Gerard faces up to ten years in prison if charged.

Rami Souguir and Jennifer Spicer in court for terrorism threats

Rami Souguir and Jennifer Spicer are both facing charges for a false report or threat of terrorism and using computers to commit a crime.

Their charges stem from the incident in which they allegedly threatened MSU President Samuel L. Stanley Jr. with an act of terror during the first week of classes at MSU.

"We think that the case is grossly overcharged," Souguir's attorney Mike Nichols said. "I'm not convinced that they're going to be able to prove, even to the probable cause standard, the crime that they charged here."

Souguir is expected in East Lansing 54B District Court on Nov 21. Spicer, on the other hand, is due for a preliminary examination on Nov. 14, according to court records.

Former MSU staff member Adam Young to stand trial for moped collision

Adam Young faces a charge of a moving violation resulting in a death. This relates to the incident in which Young collided with MSU student Tiana Seville's moped while operating a MSU salt truck.

Young is scheduled for a motion hearing on Nov. 15 at 54B District Court, according to East Lansing District Court records.

Former MSU gymnastics coach Kathie Klages to court for lying to authorities

Kathie Klages, a former MSU gymnastics coach, faces two charges of lying to a peace officer during a violent crime investigation and lying to a police officer during a crime investigation lasting four years or more.

Her court process began in September of 2018 in regards to her alleged failure to report Larry Nassar's abuse of Larissa Boyce and another unnamed witness in 1997.

Klages is scheduled for a motion to compel hearing on Nov. 20, according to Ingham County Circuit Court records. Her jury trial is currently set for Dec. 9.

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Editor's note: This story was updated to correctly attribute a quote to Rami Souguir's attorney Mike Nichols. A previous version attributed the quote to their other attorney, Christopher Wickman.

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