Sherrone Moore court appearance: Ex-Michigan coach's probable cause hearing pushed back to collect more evidence

Sherrone Moore‘s scheduled probable cause hearing on Thursday was delayed nearly two months to March 19 by Washtenaw County (Mich.) district court judge J. Cedric Simpson, who granted Moore’s defense team’s request for the delay for further discovery. Moore’s legal team is seeking additional phone records and documents related to the University of Michigan‘s Title IX investigation into Moore’s alleged improper relationship with a female team support staffer, including her statements regarding Moore.

Moore appeared in the Washtenaw County (Mich.) 14A-1 District Court on Thursday alongside his wife, Kelli and legal team, to face charges of third-degree home invasion, stalking and breaking and entering. Those charges stem from a Dec. 10 incident when the former Michigan head football coach allegedly broke into the home of a female subordinate with whom he reportedly engaged in an inappropriate relationship, which resulted in his firing for cause earlier that day.

“It’s our understanding that … there were statements made (earlier on Dec. 10) … by the complaining witness that are going to be important to (the defense’s case) because her credibility will always be an issue and different statements she made to different people will need to be evaluated. So those statements are important,” Moore’s attorney Ellen Michaels said in court Thursday, adding she plans to subpoena those records with the court’s approval, which Simpson also granted.

The Washtenaw County prosecutor’s office made it clear all evidence and discovery in their possession has been turned over to the Moore’s defense team prior to Thursday’s court date, though the investigation is ongoing and they are seeking the same Title IX documents.

Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel fired Moore for cause on Dec. 10 after allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a female staffer were substantiated. Moore was subsequently arrested on Dec. 10 and charged two days later with third-degree home invasion, and misdemeanor stalking, and breaking and entering during a Dec. 12 arraignment. Washtensaw County prosecutors allege Moore entered the home of the female staffer he reportedly had a relationship with through an unlocked door and threatened to harm himself during a confrontation with the young woman, reportedly telling her “my blood is on your hands” while holding butter knives and kitchen scissors.

Under Michigan law, third-degree home invasion is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $2,000 fine. The stalking charge is a misdemeanor that carries a potential penalty of up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. The breaking-and-entering charge is also a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine.

Moore was arrested by Pittsfield Township Police following the Dec. 10 incident and booked into the Washtenaw County Jail that evening, where he was held in protective custody by mental health professionals for two days before his Dec. 12 arraignment.

Moore has been conditionally released on a $25,000 bond set at his arraignment hearing, with his next court date set for Feb. 17 on a hearing regarding a defense motion to quash the arrest warrant.

— On3’s Nick Schultz contributed to this report.