The former high school softball coach convicted of having sex with a student learned his sentence Monday.
"I promise if given the chance, I will do everything I can to make you proud and show I can be a productive member of society," 27-year-old Cory Fritz told the judge with tears in his eyes before his sentencing.
The Sebewaing man asked the judge to keep his sentence short. He acknowledged a jury found him guilty of five counts of 3rd degree Criminal Sexual Conduct after he had sex with a student he coached at Owendale-Gagetown High School , but told the judge he didn’t take advantage of the teen. He told the judge he was in love with her.
"Yes there was a big age difference, but it wasn't about sex and it wasn't something criminal. We were in love."
The judge showed no mercy, sentencing Fritz to ten to fifteen years in prison.
Tuscola County Prosecutor Mark Reene says he hopes this case serves as a lesson, and saves other children from being victimized.
“What you hope for is that the message is sent that this is the consequence for this type of conduct,” says Reene.
Defense Attorney Kevin Rieman says he will file for a re-trial this week. He says he has learned of new evidence that brings into question just how old the victim was when the sexual relationship began. He says while police say she was fourteen, evidence may show she was closer to sixteen.
Tuscola County Deputies took him into custody after the sentencing.
