By JAMES MITCHELL
Sunday Times Newspapers
LINCOLN PARK — A 35-year-old state probation officer will face a jury in December for an alleged sexual relationship with a teenage acquaintance under 16 years of age.
Nicole Lyn Kruse stood mute Tuesday before Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Michael Hathaway. Not guilty pleas were entered for Kruse on two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. A final conference has been set for Nov. 8 before a scheduled trial begins on Dec. 2.
Police investigated allegations that Kruse had sexual contact with the teenager in May and June, incidents featured in letters and a complaint filed with the state’s department of probation and child protective services. The investigation resulted in an arraignment in 25th District Court, and Kruse’s suspension on July 10 from her position at the Southwest District Probation Office.
Kruse was represented Tuesday by attorney Raymond Cassar, and remains free on an interim $100,000 recognizance bond. She was ordered to have no contact or communication with the teen and to remain at least 300 feet away from him.
(James Mitchell can be reached at [email protected].)