News Photo by Reagan Voetberg Theodore Beck is pictured on Monday in the 53rd Circuit Court in Presque Isle County.

ROGERS CITY — Theodore Beck, 64, charged with four counts of fourth degree criminal sexual conduct, allegedly violated his bond by coming into contact with the complaining witness.

On Monday, Beck was arraigned in the 53rd Circuit Court in Presque Isle County. Attorney Matt Wojda represented Beck and Presque Isle Prosecuting Attorney Zakary McLennan represented the people of the State of Michigan. Judge Aaron Gauthier presided.

“It is alleged that you have violated the conditions of your bond and are therefore in contempt of court by having contact with the complaining witness in this case,” Gauthier told Beck. “You have the right to have a hearing on that allegation.”

At the hearing, Beck can present evidence in his defense with the assistance of his legal counsel. If he is found to be in contempt or admits to the allegation, he could serve up to 93 days in jail or pay a $7,500 fine. If Beck is found to not be compliant with the conditions of his release, Gauthier can revoke that release, meaning that Beck will have to spend time in jail while his case is being defended in court.

Gauthier said there has been an agreement to amend Beck’s bond to include no contact with two additional persons. Those persons’ names were not put on the record.

“So, Mr. Beck, I want to impress upon your mind that having any contact with one of these folks is a serious violation,” Judge Gauthier said. “Only because the contact in this allegation appears to have been unplanned and momentary. That’s the only reason why you’re gonna walk back out of this courtroom this morning. If you were to have any further contact with that person, or any contact with these two additional people, I won’t hesitate to have you defend this case from the inside of a jail cell.”

During the arraignment, Wojda said that on behalf of his client, he would stand mute as to the charges. Judge Gauthier entered a plea of not guilty for all charges.

In January, the Michigan State Police Alpena Post was contacted regarding a sexual assault complaint aimed at Beck. It was reported that the alleged assaults occurred in Rogers City over a span of several months.

He was arrested and charged with four counts of criminal sexual conduct fourth degree, force or coercion. His bond was set for $200,000 with 10% cash surety.

Beck waived his preliminary examination in the 89th District and bound over to the higher court.

Beck’s next court appearance is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 8 for a bond violation hearing and docket call at the 53rd Circuit Court in Presque Isle.

Reagan Voetberg can be reached at 989-358-5683 or rvoetberg@TheAlpenaNews.com.