Kevin Grasha

kgrasha@lsj.com

LANSING –

A 17-year-old Eastern High School senior has been charged with raping another student on school property.

Edward "E.J." Jackson, the all-state running back for the school's football team, was arraigned Wednesday in 54A District Court.

The alleged incident happened Tuesday during a lunch period at the school at 220 N. Pennsylvania Ave. It did not happen in a school building, officials said.

Lansing schools spokesman Robert Kolt declined to comment about the incident, referring any questions to Lansing police. Superintendent Yvonne Caamal Canul, through Kolt, declined to comment.

Jackson faces two charges, including first-degree criminal sexual conduct causing personal injury, which is punishable by up to life in prison. He also is accused of restraining the alleged victim to facilitate the commission of criminal sexual conduct. The second charge of unlawful imprisonment carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.

The Lansing State Journal does not identify alleged victims of sexual crimes.

Judge Hugh Clarke Jr. set Jackson's bond at $40,000. He was transferred to the Ingham County Jail but since has been released, a county jail deputy said today.

If he posts 10 percent of that amount, Clarke ordered Jackson to be monitored by a GPS tether. He must stay at his parents' house, except to meet with his attorney or for medical reasons. He cannot be on Eastern High School property. His parents, grandfather and other family members were in the courtroom Wednesday.

Jackson has no prior criminal record.

His attorney, Jamie White, told Clarke that he'd received "an unusual amount of information" within the last day "suggesting this relationship was historical and consensual."

White did not elaborate on that statement after the hearing, but did say: "At this point in time, we're confused by these charges."

In court, Clarke warned Jackson — who appeared on a video monitor — about trying to threaten or intimidate the alleged victim.

"I would impress upon your client and impress upon his friends," Clarke told White, "don't have his buddies intimidate this girl. It will not bode well for him."

A preliminary hearing, which determines if there is enough evidence for a trial, is set for Sept. 19.

Police seeking information

Anyone with information about the alleged sexual assault Tuesday on Eastern High School's property should contact Sgt. Christopher Baldwin at 483-6846 or christopher.baldwin@lansingmi.gov.



