News Summary

Mark White, a former basketball coach at River Rouge High School, faces serious charges including criminal sexual conduct from an incident in 2017 involving a former student. The case has sparked significant community concern and highlights issues of student safety and institutional accountability. The alleged victim, Moriyah Hamell, is advocating for others to share their stories, urging a communal support system to assist survivors. As legal proceedings unfold, the broader implications for educational institutions are under scrutiny.

Ypsilanti: Former Basketball Coach Faces Serious Charges in 2017 Incident

In a shocking turn of events, former River Rouge High School basketball coach Mark White has been charged with two counts of criminal sexual conduct relating to an incident that happened back in 2017. These serious charges have been filed in Washtenaw County, leading to widespread discussion and concern among the community.

Details of the Case

White was brought to court and arraigned on February 8, 2023, at the 14B District Court located in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The charges against him include criminal sexual conduct with intent for sexual penetration and fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a student. The female accuser involved in the case is a former student of River Rouge, who was only 16 years old at the time the alleged incident took place.

It wasn’t until December 2022 that the accuser made a report to the Washtenaw Sheriff’s Office after feeling empowered to speak out about her experience, possibly thanks to conversations she had on social media. The incident is said to have occurred at White’s home in Ypsilanti, where he was allegedly accompanied by his wife and children, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding the event.

Coaching Career Under Scrutiny

Mark White had a notable coaching career, having been at the helm of River Rouge’s basketball team until 2018. He also has coaching stints at Detroit Renaissance and Adrian College. However, now his past is coming back to haunt him as someone has stepped forward with serious allegations. Notably, the former student has also filed a civil lawsuit against White and the River Rouge School District, claiming that the district should have been aware of the alleged misconduct since she had previously disclosed her concerns to another teacher.

Community Response

River Rouge School District’s Superintendent, Derrick Coleman, stated that no allegations were known against White during his time with the school, causing some to question the procedures and oversight in place during that period. Both River Rouge and White have filed motions to dismiss the civil case, using statute of limitations as a major point in their arguments. However, the victim’s attorney is pushing back, invoking a Michigan law that provides exceptions to these limitations in cases involving minors.

Next Steps Following Arraignment

After his arraignment, Mark White posted a bond set at $25,000. He is currently awaiting a probable cause conference scheduled for February 20, which will be a critical moment as the case proceeds through the legal system. If convicted of the charges against him, White stands to face significant consequences under the Michigan penal code, with the possibility of up to a 10-year prison sentence.

The Victim’s Courage

In what is being framed as a courageous move, Moriyah Hamell, the alleged victim, has chosen to publicly share her story, asserting that the assault occurred while she was asleep, indicating her discomfort throughout the incident. Hamell is not just stopping at sharing her story; she has actively encouraged others who may have faced similar circumstances to come forward, highlighting the importance of support and community in healing.

A Cloud of Past Allegations

This isn’t the first time Mark White has faced scrutiny. Prior to this incident, he was investigated for allegations of inappropriate relationships with students in other institutions, with claims stretching back to the late 1990s. Each new revelation has added to the community’s concern for student safety and has raised questions about the actions taken by educational institutions in addressing such serious allegations.

As this case unfolds, many in the community and beyond are closely observing the proceedings, understanding the weight of what is at stake. The legal battle ahead will not only determine Mark White’s fate but could also resonate in the broader dialogue surrounding safety, accountability, and support for victims in educational settings.

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