Former Ripon coach pleads no contest to sexual assault of student

The former Ripon boys basketball coach, accused of sexual misconduct with a student, pleaded no contest to four of the seven felony charges against him in Fond du Lac County circuit court Monday, September 15, 2025.

Mihai Schnell-Harrison initially pleaded not guilty in the case, which he was arrested for in November of last year.

The charges stem from Harrison talking with a student on social media and eventually sending nude photos of each other and then engaging in a sexual act. At that time the 16-year-old student cut off contact with Harrison. Harrison says he thought the girl was 18.

The charges Harrison pleaded no contest to are sexual assault of a student, exposing himself to a child, causing mental harm, and child abuse, intentionally causing harm.

The other three charges were dismissed.

Harrison will be back in court for sentencing on December 19.