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Charles Pugh arraigned on Criminal Sexual Conduct charges, waives extradition from NYC to Detroit

Charles Pugh arraigned in New York City
Posted at 5:12 PM, Jun 23, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-24 06:56:50-04

Former Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh has been arraigned on an out-of-state warrant in New York City.

Pugh was taken into custody Thursday morning, a day after Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy charged him with Criminal Sexual Conduct. 

Pugh is facing six counts of criminal sexual conduct stemming from a September 2003 incident.

The alleged victim was a teenager at the time. Pugh was an anchor and reporter at Fox 2 Detroit when they met. Reportedly, the teen inquired about an internship at the station. 

Pugh waived extradition and was remanded into custody until his next court hearing, which is scheduled for July 7. He was represented in court by a Legal Aid attorney.

Charles Pugh's Uncle Phillip spoke with 7 Action News on the matter today.

"If this happened, Charles knew better. He knew better, he knew better, he knew better! He was not raised this way. Kids are scared. The family is embarrassed," Pugh's uncle said.

Phillip also said he had spoken with Charles recently and this did not come up.  Phillip says it did not appear Charles knew these charges were coming. 

This marks the second time in three years Pugh has faced allegations from a teenager.

He recently lost a civil case filed by a then-underage boy Pugh was mentoring at Frederick Douglass Academy.

The victim, who was 17 at the time, claimed Pugh sent him dirty text messages. He also says Pugh gave him money in exchange for video of the teen masturbating.

Pugh recently dropped his appeal and has begun paying the quarter million dollar verdict.