Defence attorney Ellen Michaels has declared former University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore innocent and filed a motion seeking dismissal of home invasion and stalking charges against him during a court hearing on Thursday.
Defence Challenges Arrest Warrant Basis
During proceedings at Washtenaw County courthouse, Michaels argued that the arrest warrant against Moore was issued based on what she described as "false and misleading statements presented as facts." The defence attorney told reporters outside the courtroom that without these disputed statements, there would be no probable cause for the charges against the former football coach.
Three Serious Charges Face Former Coach
The 39-year-old Moore faces three criminal charges including felony home invasion and stalking following an incident on December 10th. Authorities allege that Moore entered a woman's apartment, blamed her for his job loss that same day, then grabbed butter knives and kitchen scissors while threatening to kill himself.
Moore has pleaded not guilty to all charges and must wear a tracking device while free on bond. He stood nearby while his attorney spoke to media representatives but declined to comment personally on the case.
Prosecution Details Alleged Incident
Washtenaw County assistant prosecutor Kati Rezmierski provided additional context about the alleged incident, quoting Moore as telling the woman involved: "My blood is on your hands." The prosecutor noted that the woman had cooperated with the university's investigation into the affair after ending her relationship with Moore.
Rezmierski told Judge Cedric Simpson that she had just received Michaels' court filing seeking to quash the arrest warrant. The judge subsequently scheduled the next hearing in the case for February 17th.
University Dismissal Preceded Criminal Charges
Moore was fired from his position as University of Michigan football coach for having a personal relationship with a football staff member and for lying during the subsequent investigation, according to the university's athletic director. The dismissal letter specifically cited these violations of university policy.
Courtroom Scene and Media Attention
Moore arrived at the courthouse accompanied by his wife, Kelli, and waited in an adjacent courtroom for his case to be called. More than twenty members of the news media were present for the hearing, reflecting the significant public interest in the case involving the former prominent football coach.
Michaels did not elaborate on the specific statements she disputes in the warrant application, directing reporters instead to a court filing that wasn't immediately available for review. The defence attorney expressed confidence that "the truth will come out in court under oath where it belongs."
Football Coaching Context
Sherrone Moore coached the Michigan Wolverines for two seasons as the successor to Jim Harbaugh, who won a national championship before leaving to become coach of the NFL's Los Angeles Chargers. Following Moore's dismissal, Kyle Whittingham, who coached Utah for two decades, has been appointed as the new Michigan football coach.
The case continues to develop as both prosecution and defence prepare for the February hearing, where the court will consider the defence's motion to dismiss the charges against the former football coach.
