Cleary University golfer charged with sexual assault

Sophia Lada, Livingston Daily
·2 min read
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A Cleary University golfer has been charged with sexual assault in connection with a February incident on the college's campus.

Dylan Sokol, 20, from Commerce Township, was charged July 26 with two counts of third degree criminal sexual conduct — force or coercion.

Sokol was arraigned Friday in Livingston County District Court. Bond was set at $100,000 cash or surety. Court records indicate Sokol was released after paying bond.

A probable cause conference was scheduled for 8 a.m. Sept. 6 and a preliminary exam for 10 a.m. Sept. 13.

He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

"Mr. Sokol intends to fight these allegations vigorously in a court of law, and he is confident that he will be vindicated," his attorney, Mary Chartier, wrote in an email.

The reported assault took place in a dorm room on campus on Feb. 7, sheriff's office Det. Jason Davis testified at a hearing that led to charges.

Sokol and the woman were watching a movie in a dorm room about 1:30 a.m. when they kissed, and she didn't think anything of it, according to Davis. Sokol then asked the woman if she wanted to have sex and she said no, but Sokol sexually assaulted her, Davis testified.

Sokol is listed on the university's athletics website as a junior on the golf team. According to his LinkedIn profile, he studies digital marketing and business management.

Cleary University officials did not respond to a request for comment.

He also is listed as a golf coach at TGA premier sports in Oakland County since 2017. The TGA premier sports of southeast Michigan website lists him as a lead instructor. Owner Dave Robinson said Sokol has only worked for the organization for a total of six hours this year in June for a class. "Obviously, he went through a background check like everyone else and nothing came up," Robinson said.

TGA's website says it provides after-school enrichment programs, camps, leagues, lessons and clinics.

Sophia Lada is a reporter for the Livingston Daily. Contact her at slada@gannett.com or 517.377.1065. Follow her on Twitter @sophia_lada.

This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Cleary University student and local golf coach accused of sexual assault