Plymouth High School Coach Faces Child Porn Charges
PLYMOUTH (WWJ) - A Plymouth High School coach was in 35th District Court Thursday, facing child porn charges.
Stephen Nyquist, 65, of Canton Township, stood mute to the charges before Judge Mike Gerou.
Nyquist faces twelve counts, ranging from using a computer for criminal purposes, to possession of child pornography.
Speaking to reporters, defense attorney John McWilliams spoke of his client's state of mind.
"He's very scared and he's very concerned about the very serious charges that have been brought against him," McWilliams said.
"Obviously, this is of interest to the community, and not only something that's going to... have to be investigated throughly before we can find out what eventually is going to happen with this case. But, he's under the presumption of innocence," he said.
Investigators say Nyquist was arrested after using his computer to chat with who he thought was a young girl. It turned out to be an undercover officer.
Bond was set at $50,000, 10 percent. As a condition of his bond, the judge ordered that Nyquist have no contact with anyone under 18 and have no computer access. He is also to seek psychiatric care within 24 hours.
A preliminary exam has been set for March 25, unless Nyquist chooses to waive the process, during which evidence will be considered which could send the case to trial.
WWJ spoke with Wayne County Sheriff's Department Sergeant William Liczbinski who said these investigations often lead to other arrests.
"Because we find, especially with this particular case, that he was trading with people. So, there's got to be somebody he's getting the material from. Our investigation will identify those people," Liczbinski said.
In statement, officials with Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, where Nyquist had coached the girls lacrosse team, said the district was shocked and disappointed about the charges. The district informed Nyquist, Thursday, that he is no longer an employee, and that he is not allowed on school property.
