Ilsa Minor | Daily Press 94th District Court Magistrate Jeana LaCarte, left, listens as Attorney Diane Kay-Hougaboom speaks in court Monday on behalf of her client, Tavaris Lee Jackson, Jr., who watched from the Delta County Jail via a live video feed. Jackson is charged with the murder of 22-year-old Harley Corwin, whose body was found in Ford River Saturday.

ESCANABA — An Escanaba man was charged with murder Monday after the body of a woman was found in the woods in Ford River.

Tavaris Lee Jackson, Jr., age 32 of 611 S. 13th Street in Escanaba, was arraigned in Delta County District Court for the murder of 22-year-old Harley Corwin, also of Escanaba, whose body was discovered Saturday. According to posts made by Corwin of her personal Facebook page prior to her disappearance and the discovery of her body, Corwin was pregnant.

Jackson was charged with a single count of homicide – open murder. The open murder designation allows for the degree of the charge to be determined after evidence has been presented, but the felony charge could carry a punishment of up to life in prison.

Jackson appeared via video feed from the Delta County Jail before 94th District Court Magistrate Jeana LaCarte, who presided over the hearing. Jackson’s court-appointed attorney, Diane Kay-Hougaboom, appeared physically in court and argued for a lower bond.

“In regards to bond, we would just hope that the court takes my client’s presumption of innocence in mind when setting the bond,” said Kay-Hougaboom, who noted she recognized the seriousness of the charge facing her client.

Prosecutor Lauren Wickman, who also appeared physically in court, argued the court should set bond at $1 million, citing Jackson’s criminal record and the fact he was already out on bond for a separate issue. Jackson later explained he was currently facing two counts of failure to comply with the Sex Offender Registration Act in Delta County Circuit Court.

According to information shared in open court, Jackson’s record includes criminal sexual conduct – third degree, a felony for which he was previously sentenced to 3 to 15 years in prison; failure to comply with the Sex Offender Registration Act; misdemeanor retail fraud; misdemeanor assault with a dangerous weapon; and felony resisting and obstructing.

Despite his previous convictions and two parole violations, Jackson presented himself as complaint with the court.

“I’ve never missed a court date, never been late, never missed any probation meetings, never failed any drug tests; never violated any tethers,” he said.

Jackson also stated he would be willing to stay with his parents if he were allowed to be released on bond.

“I would go back to my residence, but if it made people more comfortable, I could move in with my parents. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind, just so I had more hands-on supervision if that is questioned,” he said.

Jackson’s parents, who were present in the small crowd that attended the hearing, agreed to let Jackson stay with them and report any violations of the terms of his bond to law enforcement or the court directly.

“In deciding your bond, you do have quite the criminal record, this is an extremely serious offense that is charged; there is a huge danger to the public, therefore your bond is going to remain at $750,000 cash or surety,” said LaCarte, adding a lengthy list of conditions that included not leaving the state without written consent of the court, avoiding drugs and alcohol, regular drug screenings, a psychological evaluation, and wearing a GPS tether.

“Basically, what that means is prior to leaving your house you must have approval from me,” said LaCarte.

Jackson was ordered not to be within 1,000 feet of Corwin’s residence or her parents residence if he is released on bond. Regardless of whether or not he is released or remains in the Delta County Jail, Jackson was ordered not to have contact with 19 individuals, including two women with whom Jackson has children.

“No contact means just that, no contact whatsoever,” said LaCarte.

Jackson was also ordered not to have contact with any employees of Ernie’s Irish Pub, where Jackson worked as a bartender prior to his arrest.

“I’ve been thinking about getting a welding job again, because I have my certifications for that,” Jackson told the court after being informed he would no longer be able to be a bartender, as the terms of his bond included not being in establishments that primarily sold alcohol.

While times were not set in court, two dates were announced for future court hearings in Jackson’s case. A probable cause conference, which is closed to the public, is set for July 20. His next court date that will be open to the public is a preliminary examination set for July 27.