By Amy Joles
Editor
CARO — The mother of a 14-year-old girl became suspicious about “excessive texting and phone calls” between a Caro High School softball coach and her 14-year-old daughter.
Her suspicions were correct, according to Tuscola County law enforcement. The girl’s softball coach, Mickey T. Gotwalt, 51, of Caro was arraigned Thursday on 12 counts of criminal sexual conduct (CSC) – breaching a bond of trust – with a person between the ages of 13-16 years old.
“He used his position as a coach to gain access and trust,” said Tuscola County Prosecutor Mark Reene.
As Reene outlined his case before Magistrate Steve Sattler, it was noted that Gotwalt had threatened to kill the girl’s mother, a personal protection order had been issued and there is also a suicide note by “Mick” Gotwalt saying he would shoot a gun so police would shoot him.
Gotwalt is charged with four felony counts of CSC first degree and eight counts of CSC second degree.
The maximum sentence for first degree CSC is life in prison and the maximum sentence for second degree CSC is up to 15 years, said Reene.
Authorities allege that the sexual conduct took place between July-October 2010, possibly on school grounds.
The Michigan State Police (MSP) Caro Post conducted the investigation, which led to Gotwalt’s arrest.
“New information came to light Monday that resulted in his arrest,” according to Reene.
When asked if he had any prior convictions, Gotwalt said he had been charged with “impaired driving in 1978,” but nothing since then.
In order to set bond, Reene asked Sattler to consider: the seriousness of the offenses and reported substance abuse.
As of last week, Gotwalt was seen abusing alcohol and while at Covenant Hospital in Saginaw, he said he would shoot and kill the mother of the victim, which was reported to Saginaw Dispatch, said Reene. Such a statement had also been heard by the suspect’s wife, and there’s confirmation that Gotwalt has access to a gun, continued Reene.
When apprehended Wednesday afternoon, the suspect had a bag packed.
“He could possibly flee the area, and with the victim” said Reene. “And, there is his suicide note.
“He poses an extraordinary danger to the public.”
Because of the note, Gotwalt was dressed for his arraignment on Thursday morning in a dark green robe that is called a “suicide gown” by the sheriff’s department because it has no arms or belt.
Reene asked that bond be set at a minimum of $1 million cash or surety, and that Gotwalt have no contact with the victim if bond is posted.
“There was a personal protection order, and yet he still continued to have electronic contact with the victim,” Reene said.
Sattler agreed to the prosecutor’s request.
In addition, because Gotwalt had been a coach for several years, and a position of trust with other young people, there could possibly be other victims, according to authorities.
If there are victims or if anyone has any additional information about this case, they are asked to call the Caro MSP Post at (989)673-2156 and ask for Trooper Jennifer Coulter, who is the lead investigator on the case.
Coulter was assisted by MSP Detective Mark Krebs and Caro Chief of Police Brian Newcomb in the investigation.
Gotwalt has requested a court- appointed attorney. District Judge Kim Glaspie will make a determination on that request.
In the meantime, he is scheduled for pre-preliminary examination 1 p.m., Monday and preliminary examination 1:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 7.
Gotwalt resigned as coach in November after school officials questioned him about the excessive communications with a student. Because Gotwalt was in violation of the school’s communication policy with students, district officials told him they would not hire him as coach again. They also informed him that they would turn over the information to authorities for investigation.
“We took precautions to prevent him from coming on school grounds or attending school events,” stated a press release from Caro Community Schools. “Subsequently, the district has cooperated with the parents and police in further investigations.”
In Michigan, first degree criminal sexual conduct is defined as sexual penetration along with meeting several other criteria, which could include the assailant being in a position of authority over the victim. That is punishable by up to life imprisonment.
Amy Joles is the editor of the Tuscola County Advertiser. She can be reached at joles@tcadvertiser.com.