Western Michigan University student and hockey captain Paul Washe, a Clarkston native, is facing a sexual assault charge after an incident at a Dec. 5, 2021 party, according to published reports.
A fellow WMU student said she was sexually assaulted by Washe on that night and Washe did admit to having sex with the woman, but said it was consensual, according to authorities.
“Paul Washe was suspended from the hockey team for violating team rules and remains indefinitely suspended from all team activities,” the school said Feb. 25 in a statement. “We are aware of the charge against him. This is a matter we take very seriously. The university has been cooperating with law enforcement and following the federal Title IX processes, including conducting our own investigation.”
Washe was arraigned Feb. 25 in Kalamazoo County on one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. Bond was set at $500, cash/surety. He isn’t allowed to contact or cause a third party to have any contact with the victim.
Washe faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
A probable cause conference is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. today, March 9, with a preliminary examination is set for 1:30 p.m. one week from today on March 16.