Former administrator pleads guilty to CSC

REED CITY — Troy Guzikowski, former Reed City High School assistant principal, pleaded guilty Friday to first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Charges are related to an incident occurring with a female student on May 23, 2007 in Lincoln Township, Osceola County. Guzikowski, 42, was originally charged with one count of CSC second-degree. The second charge was dropped. Earlier this summer, the school administrator was charged with three counts of first-degree CSC and five counts of second-degree CSC in Mecosta County for incidents occurring with the same student last March through May.

A plea deal was made within the two-county jurisdiction. Guzikowski waived his right to trial and agreed to offer a guilty plea to one count of first-degree CSC in each county in exchange for a sentence of seven to 11 years on each count. The maximum penalty for the crime is life imprisonment.

Judge Scott-Hill Kennedy, 49th Circuit Court Judge for both counties, accepted the plea.

Defense attorney Jason Elmore noted it was the objective to conclude court proceedings before students return to the classroom in September.

“I believe both sides recognize the sensitive nature of the case and feel it’s appropriate for all those involved to have the case resolved before school resumes,” Elmore told the Cadillac News.

Osceola County Prosecutor Sandy Marvin earlier concurred with the objective to conclude the case before September.

Guzikowski had been employed with the Reed City school district for 20 years, serving as a teacher, coach and administrator. In his interview with the Cadillac News, Elmore addressed the issue of the case’s impact on the school district’s reputation.

“I don’t think that this case should have any reflection on Reed City Public School District or the people and teachers that make it up,” he said. “Often, I recognize in my job that good people make bad choices. Troy is a good person who made a couple bad choices. He has taken the first steps in making up for those bad choices.”

Hill-Kennedy supported Elmore’s request for a coordinating a sentencing schedule between the counties that would meet the needs of both jurisdictions and minimize emotional stress for all individuals involved.

Sentencing will be scheduled for the end of August. Guzikowski will serve concurrent sentences.

sbarber@cadillacnews.com | 775-NEWS (6397)

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Who: Troy Guzikowski, former Reed City High School assistant principal

Charges in Osceola County: One count first-degree CSC; one count second-degree CSC

Charges in Mecosta County: Three counts first-degree CSC; Five counts second-degree CSC

Victim: 15-year-old female student

Plea deal: Guzikowski entered guilty plea to one count of CSC first-degree in each county in exchange for a sentence ranging 7 to 10 years. (Maximum penalty for CSC first degree is life imprison.)

Sentencing: To be scheduled for the end of August