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Two Grosse Ile High Lacrosse Team Members Charged With Animal Cruelty
Today Prosecutor Kym Worthy has Tanner Coolsaet, 18 (DOB: 10/16/97), and Michael Roth, 17 (DOB: 8/23/98), both of Grosse Ile, with two counts each of Animals - Killing/Torturing and Conspiracy to Commit Killing/Torturing of Animals. All of the charges are felonies carrying a maximum four year penalty.
On April 30, 2016 at approximately 11:30 a.m., the Grosse Ile High School varsity lacrosse team met before a game. Two team members, Coolsaet and Roth, arrived at the meeting location and produced a box containing a guinea pig. Coolsaet had a knife and slit the guinea pig's throat. Roth grabbed the guinea pig and struck it with a small bat. The animal died shortly thereafter.
Prosecutor Worthy said, "The alleged facts in this case illustrate much more than a youthful prank or a pre-game antic. We must take these cases seriously."
Both defendants were arraigned this morning. The probable cause conference is scheduled for July 26, 2016 at 9:00 a.m.; the preliminary examination is scheduled for August 2, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Both hearings are before Judge James Kersten in 33rd District Court. The defendants received a $5,000 personal bond - bond posted. They are not to consume alcohol or controlled substances, not to purchase or acquire animals or pets, and have a curfew from 11:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
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