FRASER (WWJ) -- A former contract worker in the Macomb County schools has pleaded no contest to criminal charges related to an inappropriate relationship with a student.
The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office said Robert Lindsay, an EduStaff employee who was assigned to Fraser High School, entered a contest plea to seven charges, including five counts of First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct, which is a life felony, and two counts of Second Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct, which is a 15-year felony.
The no contest plea will be treated like a guilty plea at sentencing, which is scheduled for December 17.
From January to October 2023, prosecutors said the 25-year-old Lindsay had a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl, who was a student at Fraser 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.
Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido said in a news release Wednesday: "A school employee — a person entrusted with the care and protection of students — has pled no contest to charges involving an inappropriate relationship with a young girl. Such behavior is 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."
In a statement, 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 stated that the employee in question had resigned from his assignment at Fraser High School prior to the allegations, and that he is no longer affiliated with the district.
Lindsay faces a minimum of 25 years in prison.