Sex trial set for youth advocate

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Tempers flared outside a Grand Rapids courtroom after a former school employee and son of a school board member was bound over for trial on a charge of having sex with a student.

An unidentified woman slapped a local TV reporter as he tried to ask Kenneth Hoskins Jr. a question as he left court.

Hoskins, a former youth advocate, is accused of having sex in an office at Central High School and a 28th Street motel earlier this year.

At the preliminary exam, the 16-year-old took the stand. In school, she had been assigned to another advocate, but developed a crush on Hoskins. She testified the sex was consensual.

But in Michigan, sex with a minor cannot legally be considered consensual. A teacher or person of authority over a minor can be charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct.

The judge determined there was enough evidence to move forward with a trial.

Hoskins faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.