UPDATED: CMU wrestler charged with failing to comply with sex offender registry, dismissed from team
A former Central Michigan University wrestler has been charged with failing to comply with Michigan’s Sex Offender Registration Act.
Zeeland freshman David A. Cheatham, 19, was arraigned Wednesday in Isabella County Trial Court Wednesday and could face up to four years in prison for not informing police he was attending CMU. He has since been dismissed from the wrestling team, said Steve Smith, director of public relations.
Cheatham was 14 when he was first registered as a sex offender after being convicted in 2006 of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a person under the age of 13, according to Michigan’s Public Sex Offender Registry.
State police arrested Cheatham Tuesday night at his Union Township residence. He lives at Tallgrass Apartments on East Broomfield Street.
“We just heard that he was attending and looked into that,” said Sgt. David A. Kaiser of the Mount Pleasant Michigan State Police post. “We also saw that he was on the wrestling roster.”
Kaiser said when an individual registers on the Michigan sex offender list, they are given a list of rules they initial and sign.
According to the Michigan Sex Offenders Registration Act, offenders are required to provide information to local law enforcement if they are working, volunteering or attending an institution of higher learning.
“This wouldn’t be a surprise to Mr. Cheatham — every one of the sex offenders, when they register, have to read a DD4A form that outlines all the rules for them to stay in compliance with,” said Sgt. David A. Kaiser of the Michigan State Police post in Mount Pleasant. “He received one of these forms, he initialed next to each one of those requirements, and also signed the bottom of (the form).”
Kaiser said a registered sex offender can apply to as many colleges and universities as they want as long as they notify local authorities of their decision.
Cheatham bonded out of Isabella County Jail Wednesday.
Smith said CMU was unaware of Cheatham’s status as a sex offender. Tom Borrelli, head wrestling coach, declined to comment Thursday during practice. Cheatham was not in attendance.
A sex offender who attends an institution of higher learning or changes addresses has 10 days to come in and change that on the registry.
Cheatham has yet to appear in a match for CMU, competing unattached at the 133-pound class. He was recruited from Allendale High school, where he finished fifth and sixth in his two state-qualifying seasons as a wrestler, and also competed in track and field.
