Rep. Miller schedules in-district office hours

LANSING — State Rep. Aaron Miller of Sturgis recently announced his in-district office hours with local residents.

“I‘m excited for the opportunity to connect with the people in our community and hear what matters most to them,” Miller said. “I look forward to listening to my neighbors, addressing their concerns and working together on solutions.”

Miller’s office hours are on Monday at the following times and locations:

• 6 to 7:30 a.m. at Rachael’s, 300 E. Chicago Road, White Pigeon

• 8:30 to 10 a.m. at Caruso’s Candy Kitchen, 130 S. Front St., Dowagiac

• 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at LA Coffee Café, 145 W. Michigan Ave., Three Rivers.

No appointments are necessary to attend office hours. Those unable to attend may contact Rep. Miller’s office at (517) 373-0832 or AaronMiller@house.mi.gov.

Former SMC professor CSC case proceeding to circuit court

CASSOPOLIS — The case against the former Southwestern Michigan College professor accused of several counts of criminal sexual conduct is moving to Cass County Circuit Court, according to the county prosecutor’s office.

George Field, 57, of Dowagiac, filed a paper through his attorney, James Miller, Monday afternoon, that waived his right to a preliminary examination in Cass County District Court. The exam was scheduled to take place at Wednesday in front of Judge Stacey Rentfrow.

Field also waived his arraignment in circuit court before Judge Mark Herman. He is facing the following charges:

• First-degree criminal sexual conduct, punishable by up to life in prison or any term of years

• Second-degree criminal sexual conduct, publishable by up to 15 years in prison

• Two counts of fourth-degree sexual conduct, publishable by up to two years in prison

• Practicing psychology/counseling without a license, punishable by up to four years in prison

Field’s case now advances to circuit court. His pretrial and trial dates have not yet been established.

Field was arrested late last month, after one of his former students filed a complaint to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office that he had engaged in intercourse with her while she was coming to him for psychiatric counseling between September 2015 and 2016.

Southwestern Michigan College terminated Field’s employment shortly before his arrest.

People aware of information, evidence or other victims related to this investigation are encouraged to contact the Cass County Sheriff’s Office at (269) 445-2481 and ask for Capt. Tom Jacobs.