Former wrestler receives probation sentence for non-compliance of sex offender act
A former Central Michigan University wrestler will serve 18 months probation for failing to comply with the Michigan Sex Offender Registration Act.
Zeeland freshman David Cheatham, 19, was sentenced to probation with the possibility of 60 days jail time if he violates it. He will also be required to pay $450 in total fines and fees.
“I think it’s a reasonable sentence based on the charge and the facts behind the charge,” said Isabella County Prosecutor Larry Burdick. “The charge seems to be (comparable) with other defendants who have been convicted with facts from similar situations.”
Cheatham declined comment.
Cheatham pleaded guilty Feb. 23 to failing to comply with the sex offender registry when he did not tell police he was attending CMU. However, he did write a disclosure statement notifying police and CMU officials separately that he is listed on the registry.
He was dismissed from the wrestling team in January.
Cheatham first registered as a sex offender at 14, when he was 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.
He also pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a stolen object valued at less than $200, stemming from a stolen parking permit of which he was found to be in possession.
