PONTIAC, Mich. (WXYZ) — A criminal investigation alleging sexual misconduct involving a Pontiac School District assistant principal and three students, and a cover-up by the district, has been closed.
The Oakland County Sheriff's Office investigated the criminal allegations and presented the finding's to the prosecutor's office, according to Undersheriff Mike McCabe. The prosecutor's office then ruled there was insufficient evidence for criminal charges.
In April, the Oakland County Sheriff's Office told 7 Action News an investigation was underway after they received information from Child Protective Services about the alleged incidents.
A lawsuit was also filed, which was brought by the former principal of Pontiac High School, claimed she was made aware of inappropriate relationships between students and an assistant principal. She claimed that those relationships were reported, but nothing was done and she was instead demoted to a different position at a different school. The lawsuit is still open.
From the start, the Pontiac School District called the accusations false.
On April 26, the school released the below statement:
At the Pontiac School District, the safety of our students, staff and families is our number one priority. We wanted to inform you about a lawsuit that was recently filed against the district which falsely alleges sexual misconduct on school property and falsely accuses the district of trying to keep this information from coming to public light. In the spirit of transparency, we wanted to bring you the facts.
At the Pontiac School District, we do not tolerate inappropriate behavior of any kind by our students, staff, families or visitors and we thoroughly investigate any such allegations, partnering with local law enforcement when appropriate. In this particular case, all allegations were thoroughly investigated in partnership with police and in accordance with district protocols, procedures and policies. Both the internal investigation and the police investigation into these matters found the allegations were without merit.
We intend to vigorously defend ourselves in court against this baseless lawsuit and we are confident we will prevail. Meanwhile, we will not be distracted from our mission of educating our kids and preparing them for college or careers.
Again, the safety of our students, staff and families is our number one priority at the Pontiac School District. Please do not hesitate to contact my office directly with any questions or concerns about this matter. As always, it is an honor serving as your superintendent.
Sincerely,
Kelley Williams, Superintendent Pontiac School District
On Nov. 1, the school provided an update to the investigation, saying that on Oct. 30 the Oakland County Sheriff's Office notified them that the investigation had been completed and closed due to insufficient evidence. Read that full statement below:
