ADRIAN (MI)
WLEN [Adrian, MI]
July 18, 2024
By WLEN news staff
There was a bond hearing in Lenawee County District Court Thursday morning for the Adrian pastor charged with two counts of 2nd Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct.
Michael Goble, 75, appeared in court before Lenawee County District Court Judge Laura J. Schaedler. Goble’s defense attorney, with the Public Defenders Office, presented a case to have his bond lowered, and that the court could accommodate something other that jail…such as house arrest or a GPS tether. Defense council told the Judge that Goble is 75 years old, a long-term resident of the county, and has no prior criminal history. He said that Goble is retired, a recent widower, and has three adult children in the area. Council also said that Goble has medical issues that he meets with a doctor on a regular basis, and is not a flight risk. The defense wanted Judge Schaedler to consider a $25,000 bond per count…a reduction from the $75,000 per count currently in place.
Legal council with the Lenawee County Prosecutor’s Office strongly objected to a bond reduction. They said that the Criminal Sexual Conduct is a pattern of behavior, possibly going as far back at 1984. They said that they learned that Goble’s conduct was predatory, and that they are reviewing a number of cases to possibly bring forward other charges. Council said that he used his status as an authority to gain access to the community. They said that evidence found in his home corroborates with statements made by the people who gave statements to police.
The defense again argued for the court to issue a GPS tether. Prosecution council argued that Goble preyed on victims in his home.
Judge Schaedler agreed to reduce the bond, but not by as much as the defense wanted…setting in at $50,000 per count. If Goble were to post bond, he would be under house arrest with no internet, social media, and no contact with minors.
Online court records show that there is a Probable Cause Conference scheduled for Monday, July 22nd at 10am in the courtroom of Judge Schaedler.