Former assistant principal pleads no contest to charge of First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct involving a minor

Mount Clemens, Mich. – Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that 55-year-old Jerome Younger, of Roseville, Michigan, pleaded no contest today to one count of First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct in connection with an assault upon a minor on October 8, 2025. Younger served as the Assistant Principal of the Edward ‘Duke’ Ellington Conservatory of Music and Art at Beckham Academy in Detroit, Michigan. 

On Monday, August 10, 2026, at a Pretrial Hearing, Younger pleaded no contest before Judge Joseph Toia of the Macomb County Circuit Court to First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct (Relationship), a life felony. Younger was taken into custody pending sentencing. The plea requires Tier III lifetime Sex Offender registration, lifetime electronic monitoring, Wyatt’s law registration and HIV testing. Younger was ordered to have no contact with the victim.

Younger will be sentenced by Judge Toia on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 8:30 a.m.  

“It takes tremendous courage for a young victim to come forward and speak about what they experienced. This victim deserves our gratitude and support for having the strength to tell their story. My office will continue to stand up for victims and ensure their voices are heard,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido. 

The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office represents the People. We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan. All that are accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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