CRIME

Boyne City wrestling coach arrested on multiple criminal sexual conduct counts

Annie Doyle
The Petoskey News-Review
Justin Perkins

BOYNE CITY — Boyne City High School wrestling coach Justin Perkins is back in jail for violating his bond requirements relating to his July 1 arrest on multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct against a student. 

Perkins, 23, was initially arrested on one count of third degree criminal sexual conduct, which includes engaging in sexual penetration with a child who was at least 16 to 18 years of age, and three counts of fourth degree criminal sexual conduct, according to an amended felony complaint obtained by the Courier. 

He was released with a $50,000 bond on July 5 but sent back to jail on Aug. 9 for violating the terms of his bond which prohibited him from contacting the minor victim, a student at the school where he was employed.  

More:Boyne City wrestling program hires assistant Perkins to lead team

More:subscribe to learn the latest local news

As reported previously in the Petoskey News-Review, Perkins was hired as Boyne City's head wrestling coach in 2020, after serving as the assistant coach since 2018. 

All counts against Perkins include language stating that he used his status at the school to “gain access to or to establish a relationship with the victim.”  

The third-degree charge is a felony holding a maximum penalty up to 15 years in prison and the three fourth-degree charges are misdemeanors, each with a maximum penalty up to two years in prison. 

Boyne City Public Schools Superintendent Pat Little sent a letter out to families on Aug. 9 addressing the allegations, stating “from the very moment the allegations were reported to school officials, the district has fully cooperated with the Boyne City Police Department as completed their investigation.”

He wrote that Perkins had been “a coach for the past two years at the high school level” and that he was arrested “in connection to allegations that arose while coaching for BCPS.” 

In his message, Little also reassured parents that it is his priority to “ensure a safe environment for our students and staff.”  

Perkins’ case was bound over to circuit court on Aug. 9 and, unless a plea deal is reached, he will be headed to trial on the charges. A probable cause conference between the parties is set to occur on Aug. 26, according to staff in the Charlevoix County district court. Attorney John Jarema has been hired to represent Perkins.  

Contact reporter Annie Doyle at adoyle@charlevoixcourier.com