Ryan Kesler Charged With Criminal Sexual Conduct

Former NHL forward Ryan Kesler, 41, was arraigned Oct. 27 in Bloomfield Hills and charged with two misdemeanor counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct over an alleged Jan. 1, 2025 incident in Orchard Lake; he pleaded not guilty. Court records show the matter was reported Jan. 2 and prosecutors authorized the two counts, though investigators have not publicly released full specifics. Kesler posted $50,000 bond with 10% cash surety and was ordered not to leave Michigan. A criminal complaint reported by some outlets alleges sexual contact with a 16-year-old “through force or coercion and/or (had) reason to know the victim was physically helpless,” and Michigan’s fourth-degree CSC statute broadly covers non‑penetrative sexual touching and can carry up to two years’ jail time. His lawyer, Robert Morad, said Kesler “emphatically denies the allegations” and will vigorously contest them. Kesler has been suspended from coaching Triple‑A youth hockey by the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association, and further hearings are scheduled in November.