BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI – Former NHL center Ryan Kesler has been charged with two misdemeanor counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, according to court records from Bloomfield Hills District Court.
Kesler, 41, pleaded not guilty and was released after posting a $5,000 bond (10% deposit) on October 27, 2025. His bond was set by Judge Kimberly Small, and he’s been ordered not to leave Michigan without court permission.
Court records show Kesler is scheduled for a probable cause conference on November 6 and a preliminary examination on November 13, both before Judge Marc Barron.
The charges stem from an alleged incident on January 1 in Orchard Lake, Michigan. Kesler’s attorney, Robert Morad, maintains his client’s innocence, saying Kesler “emphatically denies the allegations” and will be “fully exonerated” once all facts are presented.
Kesler has been suspended by the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association and USA Hockey from all coaching duties. He was in his third season coaching the Little Caesars AAA 15O Bantam Midget team in Metro Detroit.
A native of Michigan, Kesler played 15 NHL seasons with the Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks, recording 573 points and earning the 2011 Selke Trophy as the league’s top defensive forward. He also represented Team USA at the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics.
According to court documents TMZ Sports has obtained, Ryan Kesler is accused of engaging in “sexual contact with a 16-year-old child” on January 1.
The docs state the alleged victim was “physically helpless” during the incident.
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Legal Context: Fourth-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct in Michigan
Under MCL 750.520e, fourth-degree CSC involves sexual contact with another person under circumstances such as force, coercion, or when the victim is incapacitated or unable to consent.
It is classified as a high-court misdemeanor, punishable by:
- Up to 2 years in prison, and/or
- A fine of up to $500.
If convicted, a person may also face sex offender registration requirements under Michigan law depending on the circumstances of the offense.
