Kesler arraigned on two misdemeanor criminal sexual conduct charges

Former NHL centre Ryan Kesler was arraigned Monday on two misdemeanor counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct stemming from an incident prosecutors say occurred on January 1 in Orchard Lake, Michigan, court records show. Kesler, 41, appeared by video in Bloomfield Hills District Court, pleaded not guilty to both charges and was released after posting 10 percent of a $50,000 bond. He was ordered not to leave Michigan without court permission and must appear for all scheduled hearings.

Court records and filings identify the alleged offence date but provide no further details about the accuser or the circumstances of the allegation. A probable cause conference is set for November 6, followed by a preliminary examination on November 13. Fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct in Michigan is charged as a misdemeanor.

Kesler’s attorney, Robert Morad, issued a statement disputing the charges. "Ryan emphatically denies the allegations and is completely innocent of the charges," Morad said. "The charges are baseless and he is prepared to fight them vigorously in court. As the legal process begins, we ask for respect for his privacy and for the integrity of the judicial system. We...