By Amy Joles (Contact / Staff Bio)
August 19, 2009 - 12:20 p.m. EST

CARO — Cory D. Fritz appeared in Tuscola County District Court briefly to waive a preliminary exam.

Fritz, 26, of Sebewaing will now be arraigned in Tuscola County Circuit Court Aug. 31 at 8:30 a.m. He stands accused of 20 counts of third degree criminal sexual conduct involving a victim that was between the ages of 14-15 at the time.

According to Tuscola County Prosecutor Mark Reene, both sides will continue to gather information and “negotiate” as the investigation continues.

Authorities earlier confirmed that a search was being conducted in the Gagetown area for the remains of a baby that Fritz allegedly fathered with the teen and was supposedly born in June 2006. Fritz’s attorney, Kevin Rieman, has said that Fritz denied the allegations of fathering the supposed baby.

Reene contends that Fritz made statements about attempting to make arrangements for an abortion and possibly disposing of the baby.

At the upcoming Circuit Court arraignment, Fritz will again be given formal notice of the charges he faces and may enter a plea.

“There’s no deal on the table at this point,” said Reene. “Both sides will be negotiating as information is gathered.”

The victim in this case was a 10th grade student at Owendale-Gagetown High School, where Fritz previously coached varsity softball. The sexual relationship between the two allegedly occurred between October 2005 and March 2006 in the Village of Gagetown when Fritz was no longer coaching in the district.

Fritz has not been charged with any crimes relating to the supposed infant. He remains free after posting bond July 1.