DETROIT – A security guard contracted by a Detroit school is facing charges after allegedly sexually assaulting a 14-year-old student.
It reportedly happened at Cornerstone Jefferson-Douglass Academy, a charter school on Detroit’s east side. 24-year-old Trevon Leviticus Ziglar has been charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a child between 13 and 15 after he was allegedly caught with a 14-year-old girl in a stairwell at the school on May 20, 2024.
Prosecutors said video evidence captured Ziglar and the student entering the stairwell and leaving about 20 minutes later.
Additionally, Ziglar allegedly tried to get the victim to silence the witness who reported the incident.
“Here is an adult trying to coerce a child from having another child go and do what’s right, telling an adult about what he saw,” said Prosecutor Lisa Coyle.
Ziglar was arraigned Sunday, Jan. 12. He pleaded not guilty.
He was denied bond and remanded back to jail after prosecution called him a “danger to the community.” Ziglar’s next court date is Jan. 21.
The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office said lab results and staffing changes were both factors in the several months to bring charges against Ziglar. Additionally, the Detroit Police Department said an administrative error prevented a warrant from being issued closer to when the incident was initially reported.
Officials with the school said when they learned of the incident, they informed the security company, who fired Ziglar and banned him from the school.
A statement from the school can be read below.
“The incident occurred eight months ago. At that time, we immediately contacted the Detroit Police and simultaneously notified the outside security company to prohibit the individual from entering any Cornerstone property. We have been and are still fully cooperating with the police.
The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority and we continue to take all necessary actions to ensure they are in a safe environment."
Cornerstone Schools
