Five Lakes Coffee co-founder faces three counts of criminal sexual conduct involving a child
Jared Smith, 49, faces two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a child younger than 13 and one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a child younger than 13, according to Calhoun County court records.
Jared Smith, 49, who co-founded Five Lakes Coffee with his brother and previously served as the company’s CEO has been charged with three counts of criminal sexual conduct. He faces two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a child younger than 13 and one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a child younger than 13, according to Calhoun County court records.
The alleged assaults occurred in April 2015, according to charging documents filed in Calhoun County.
Paul Smith, Jared’s brother and Five Lakes co-founder, posted a statement about the charges on the company’s website. It reads, in part:
“I’m heartbroken to share that my brother and Five Lakes co-founder, Jared, has been formally charged with criminal sexual conduct. [REDACTED for child’s privacy].
“In response to the revelation of these allegations early in Nov. 2024, as law enforcement investigated, Jared was placed on indefinite leave and relieved of his position and duties at Five Lakes Coffee. We also notified our staff so they would be aware of the situation.
“As you might imagine, family relationships are strained as we continue to process such devastating charges and navigate toward truth and resolution. We have never been through anything like this as a family, or as a business. I am committed to being open, honest, and always striving to do the right thing.
“I want to assure you that our core values and mission to ‘Love & Value People’ have not changed. We remain unwaveringly committed to serving our family, team, customers, and communities with the utmost care, grace, and integrity.
“I’ve asked our team to remain focused on serving you, making people’s day, and to continue building relationships. I hope, as a community, you can extend grace to our family and business in this difficult time, and we appreciate all your thoughts and prayers.
“Due to the sensitive circumstances and ongoing developments, I will refrain from further comment regarding the case as it continues through the legal system. By God’s grace, I trust one day we will tell a story of hope and healing.“
The full statement appears at the bottom of the “About” page on the company’s website.
The case remains open, with a motion hearing scheduled for December 8 before Judge Lincoln in Calhoun County Circuit Court, according to court records. A jury trial is scheduled for February 10, 2026, at 1 p.m. also before Judge Lincoln.
Paul Smith said the company remains committed to serving customers and operating its stores. Five Lakes lists 10 locations in Michigan and Indiana on its website, including shops in Kalamazoo and Sturgis.
Bond was set and posted at $25,000 personal recognizance on January 22, 2025. A personal recognizance bond allows a defendant to be released without paying money upfront, based on their promise to return to court and comply with all court-ordered conditions.
Maxwell Knauer is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.
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