(WWJ) — Robert Lindsay, a former Fraser High School contract employee, could spend the next five decades behind bars for sexually assaulting a minor.
Lindsay pleaded no contest last October to five counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of second-degree CSC. On Wednesday Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Julie Gatti sentenced the 26-year-old to 8-50 years in prison for the first-degree pleas and 8-15 years on the second-degree pleas.
If released, Lindsay must have lifetime electric monitoring and no contact with the victim.
"We hope this outcome brings some measure of healing to the victim and underscores our commitment to safeguarding our children and holding perpetrators fully accountable," Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido said, per a press release.
Lindsay worked as an EduStaff employee and had been assigned to Fraser High School. Authorities say between January and October of 2023 he had a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl who was a student at the high school.
At the time the charges were filed, prosecutors in court expressed concerns that the victim was in love with Lindsay, who allegedly proposed marriage to the teen, and that he may try to flee with the teen.
When Lindsay pleaded no contest in October, Lucido said the substitute teacher’s behavior was “not only illegal but deeply harmful.”
“While this plea spares the victim from the pain of a trial, we will continue to ensure that justice is served,” Lucido said.
In a statement last October, EduStaff said that, like its partnering school districts, it is "committed to student safety," and that all contracted employees are subject to the same rigorous background checks as regular public school employees. Lindsay was placed on leave when the investigation came to light.
Fraser Public Schools officials said Lindsay had resigned from his assignment at Fraser High School prior to the allegations, and that he is no longer affiliated with the district.