News Photo by Reagan Voetberg Judge Aaron Gauthier of the 53rd Circuit Court in Presque Isle presided during Alex Harimoto’s hearing on Monday. Harimoto appeared via Zoom, along with his attorney, Jesse Williams, and the prosecuting attorney, Elizabeth Reed of Alcona County.

ROGERS CITY — Alex Harimoto, 26, had a hearing in the 53rd Circuit Court in Presque Isle before Judge Aaron Gauthier on Monday, where it was discussed that he will enter a plea deal at his next hearing.

Harimoto was bound over to Circuit Court from the 89th District Court after waiving preliminary examination.

Harimoto is the former Rogers City Main Street and Rogers City Downtown Development Authority executive director. He was arrested and arraigned on June 30. The date of the offense was March 5, 2024.

Harimoto is charged with three counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct and three counts of second degree criminal sexual conduct for allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with a minor.

Alcona Prosecuting Attorney Elizabeth Reed is representing the people in the case due to a possible conflict of interest on the part of Presque Isle Prosecuting Attorney Zakary McLennan, who is Rogers City Mayor Scott Mclennan’s son.

Defense Counsel Jesse Williams said that he had been offered a plea deal by Reed for Harimoto to plead guilty to criminal sexual conduct fourth degree with no other plea concessions. He will have to register as a sex offender for 25 years for that offense. Williams asked the court to set a plea date.

“We do have a resolution,” Williams said. “We do not intend to go to trial. This is not a case that would go to trial based off of the evidence and the statements that have already been made through confession.”

Harimoto’s plea hearing will be at 11 a.m. on Jan. 5 in the 53rd Circuit Court.

IN OTHER BUSINESS

Theodore Beck, 65, was scheduled to appear in the 53rd Circuit Court Monday morning for a bond violation hearing, but it was moved to 9:20 a.m. on Jan. 5. Beck is charged with four counts of fourth degree criminal sexual conduct.

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