Professor accused of criminal sexual conduct

DOWAGIAC, Mich. -- A 57-year-old man has been charged with multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct and practicing psychology/counseling without a license. The alleged incidents occurred while he was a professor at Southwest Michigan College, according to the Cass County Prosecutor's Office.

George Field of Dowagiac has been charged with:

• Criminal sexual conduct 1st degree - felony with penalty of life or any term of years
• Criminal sexual conduct 2nd degree - felony with penalty of up to 15 years
• Practicing psychology/counseling without a license - felony with penalty of up to 4 years
• Criminal sexual conduct 4th degree - high court misdemeanor with penalty of up to 2 years
• Criminal sexual conduct 4th degree- high court misdemeanor with penalty of up to 2 years

Leaders at Southwest Michigan College encouraged the victim to contact law enforcement after learning of the incident.

The suspect has a degree in psychology and was a professor at Southwest Michigan College when the alleged incidents occurred.

The incidents occurred between September 2015 and June 2016 at The Family Center or Field's residence, according to the prosecutor's office.

The first charge involves sexual intercourse between Field and the victim while Field was practicing psychology/counseling without a license, according to court documents.

The second count involves sexual contact between Field and the victim while Field was practicing psychology/counseling without a license, according to court documents.

The third charge is for Field allegedly presenting himself as practicing psychology and/or counseling without a license.

The fourth charge is for sexual contact with the victim when Field effected sexual contact through force or coercion, according to court documents.

The fifth charge is for sexual contact with a victim who was previously the defendant's patient or within two years of the time in which the person was the defendant's patient.

During his arraignment Wednesday, his bond was set at $200,000.

Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz says they believe there might be more victims.

"There is some evidence there could be other victims so we are encouraging anybody who has any information about this whether its evidence  other witnesses or potential victims to be sure to call the sheriffs department," says Fitz.